Southampton Solent University celebrates futuristic design as redevelopment continues

The pod celebration at Southampton Solent University was attended by contractors and university representatives, as well as the mayor of Southampton.

The futuristic new feature dominates the five-story atrium at the university’s new Spark building, which is set to be completed early next year.

It was designed at the London office of Scott Brownrigg and also offers an open-top viewing platform with views across East Park.

Southampton Solent University’s vice-chancellor Graham Baldwin said: “Throughout the process the build has enhanced the experience for our students by providing student work placements, onsite learning and guest lectures as part of their courses so not only is the pod built for our students, but it is with the support of them as well, all adding to their learning journey.”

The pod is intended to reflect the region’s nautical heritage and the university’s strong maritime links and was built off-site by CIG Architecture in the Netherlands, a firm which also built the cable-car across the Thames River in London.

It is surrounded by cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities, including 35 classrooms, five lecture rooms, interactive study spaces, and a city-centre exhibition space.

Ian Pratt of Scott Brownrigg architects said: “When people ask me about the pod they often ask ‘what is it?’ “One response to this question is that it’s an 80-person lecture room with an informal learning area on top.

“But of course the pod is so much more than that – it’s the visually striking centrepiece of the atrium, a powerful guardian welcoming students, staff and visitors to the Spark and aiding way-finding. “It’s an international design and engineering triumph. A masterpiece of modern construction and off-site manufacturing techniques.”