A HAMPSHIRE university has been awarded a prestigious accolade for its architecture.

The Spark building at Southampton Solent University at East Park Terrace in Southampton won the Best Student Experience category at the Education Estates Awards held earlier this week at the Mercure in Manchester Piccadilly which recognise excellence in the education built environment.

The 10,000 sq. m teaching building, designed by Scott Brownrigg, opened to students on it's East Park Terrace campus in September 2016 after a £33 million investment.

In the award winning speech, the building was recognized for it's ‘game-changing’ design as well as providing a ‘mixed economy’ of teaching and learning spaces which enable staff and students to see and share their learning and teaching experiences, knowledge and research.

Professor Graham Baldwin, vice-chancellor of Southampton Solent University, said: "We are delighted that our Spark building has won the Student Experience Award.

"Since the Spark opened for teaching, thousands of students have benefited from learning in its state-of-the-art classrooms.

"From a diverse range of backgrounds, these students are united in their pride at being part of a university which is making such a significant investment in their education.

“A popular and impactful addition to the campus, the Spark has enhanced the student experience, contributed to a cutting-edge learning environment, and allowed the University to build on its reputation as an innovative and creative place of study.

"It has been an exceptional success for Solent and its students, and will continue to show its value for decades to come."

The Spark beat off competition from The Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London, Bristol Business School at the University of West England, New Adelphi at the University of Salford and Highgate Junior School in London to clinch the award.

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