The University of Strathclyde will honour three prominent women through the naming of its new £60m Learning and Teaching Building.
The project to transform the Colville and Architecture buildings into an integrated flagship facility for students is nearing completion with new images and video released by the University giving a first look inside the building.
The B-listed former Architecture building will be called the Professor Mary Dunn Wing, in honour of Strathclyde’s first female professor and Head of Department.
The former Colville building will be named the Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell Wing in recognition of the renowned astrophysicist, first woman president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and of the Institute of Physics, and honorary graduate of Strathclyde.
Both Wings are connected by a central outdoor events and gatherings space which will be named the Professor Jackie Kay Plaza, in honour of the celebrated poet, novelist and Strathclyde honorary graduate.
A consultation and vote on naming the wings was held by the University in May with more than 4,400 votes cast.
Inspirational people
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, said: “The new Learning and Teaching building will be a wonderful place for our University community to meet again in September. It will bring together all our student support services for the first time alongside a transformed Strath Union, leading-edge teaching and learning technology and fantastic events and catering spaces.
“It’s fitting that this important building will be named after inspirational people who have made a fantastic impact on the world around them – and I hope it will inspire our future leaders in engineering, science, business, humanities and social sciences, to do the same, whatever career path they choose to follow.
Our students are at the heart of all the University’s decision-making and I am delighted that the University community has chosen three outstanding women to honour through the naming of our flagship building.”
A statement from the Student Executive at Strath Union said: "The new Learning and Teaching building, featuring the names of three inspirational women, is going to transform the student experience at Strathclyde. As part of that we're really excited to introduce students to the new Strath Union, and everything it has to offer. We're looking forward to welcoming you all there when we return to campus next semester."
Campus investment
The building will host a brand-new home for the students’ union, Strath Union, featuring music and events space plus accommodation to support more than 100 clubs and societies, a bar, bistros and coffee areas.
The Learning and Teaching Building project, which forms part of the University’s wider £1 billion campus investment, has been delivered in partnership with the main contractor Balfour Beatty and architects BDP.
Sustainability has also been at the heart of the project which has achieved a 67% carbon reduction on a new build project, recycled 97% of waste material, and achieved a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating. The building is also connected to the University’s district heating and power network, helping to reduce carbon emissions, and features a ‘green roof’ to support biodiversity.
The aspect of the building will be improved further through the forthcoming Heart of the Campus Project, which will see the pedestrianisation of North Portland Street and re-landscaping of Rottenrow Gardens to enhance greenspace, improve diversity and improve health and wellbeing.