The Design and Digital Arts Building at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) stands as a bold and innovative gateway at the entrance to the City Campus. Designed to enhance and expand the offerings of the Nottingham School of Art and Design’s Digital Arts courses, the building covers a total of 5300m² of teaching and specialist spaces. These spaces are not just functional; they are designed to inspire the next generation of digital creators and provide sector-leading facilities.
From the outset, the project aimed to achieve the highest sustainability standards. This meant not only designing a building that met NTU’s ambitious sustainability goals, but also one that would anticipate future needs—particularly the decarbonisation of the national grid. The result is a fully electrified building—a forward-thinking design that ensures it is ready for a greener, more sustainable future.
Sustainability in Design
A key part of the project’s sustainability strategy was achieving BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating, benchmarks that reflect the building's commitment to environmental performance and energy efficiency. These certifications are a direct result of careful planning and a design process that placed sustainability at the forefront of descisions.
One of the most striking features of the building is its blue roof, a vital component of the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) designed to manage rainwater. By lessening the impact of rainfall, the blue roof not only reduces flood risks but also supports local water management systems. This feature contributes to the building’s overall resilience to climate change.
The building’s green wall also plays a crucial role in fostering biodiversity and enhancing the local environment. With native species, the wall represents a commitment to creating spaces that supports local nature, air quality and the community.
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the structure itself. The project team made a conscious effort to incorporate recycled materials throughout the design and construction phases. For instance, recycled aggregates from the Broadmarsh demolition were used below ground, minimizing the need for new raw materials. Even furniture was procured with sustainability in mind, with multiple pieces made from recycled plastic, including materials like old yoghurt pots, showcasing the building’s commitment to a circular economy.
Concept to completion
Planning for the Design and Digital Arts Building began in 2016 with initial feasibility studies and early design work, in late 2021 planning permission was granted. The existing building on the site was not suitable for adaptation, so it was demolished in December 2021, making way for a new, sustainable structure.
A wide range of stakeholders were involved in the design process, ensuring that the building would meet the needs of its future occupants and align with NTU’s sustainability policies. The design team included BREEAM consultants, landscape architects, structural engineers, and furniture manufacturers, all working together to bring the vision to life. Stakeholder consultation continued throughout the construction phase, which began in May 2022 with Bowmer and Kirkland as the main contractors. The building was completed in June 2024, ready to serve as a vibrant new home for digital arts students.
Throughout the project there was ongoing collaboration between NTU’s Capital Development team, the NTU Sustainability Team, and the Nottingham School of Art and Design to consider on site feasibilities and needs. From the university’s executive leadership to the architects at Hawkins Brown and CPMG, every party had a role to play in ensuring the building was a sustainable, future-proofed space. The project also benefited from continuous input from local stakeholders, including Nottingham City Council (NCC) planners and highways teams.
Impact of the project
The sustainable impact of the Design and Digital Arts Building extends far beyond its walls. The project brought significant social value to the local community, creating opportunities for local employment and utilising local suppliers. In addition, the building has already hosted a series of community events and student visits, engaging the public and showcasing the importance of sustainability in education and architecture.
Moreover, the building creates wider economic opportunities for the university. Its specialised design attracts industry partners and provides commercial spaces that can be used for events, workshops, and collaborations within the digital arts sector. This boosts the university’s profile and fosters deeper connections between academia and industry.
From an educational perspective, the building offers invaluable learning opportunities for NTU staff and students. The incorporation of sustainable practices into the design and construction of the building serves as a living laboratory, offering first-hand experience in cutting-edge sustainable architecture and design.
Find out more
The new Design & Digital Arts building is a building for the Nottingham School of Art & Design that will help prepare our graduates for success in professional, technical and commercial careers in the growing cultural and creative industries. Find out more about the facilities within the building and courses available to study.