A New Heart for Campus Life
BMJ Architects transformed the ground floor of Kingston University’s Main Building at the Penrhyn Road campus, creating a vibrant new destination for learning, collaboration and student support.
Located at the heart of the University’s estate, the project reimagines how students engage with campus life, bringing together teaching, wellbeing and employability services within a more connected and welcoming environment.
Transforming the Student Experience
The transformation supports Kingston University’s ambition to create an outstanding student experience while embracing new approaches to learning and skills development. Central to the design is a new main entrance and atrium that significantly improves orientation, strengthens visual connections through the building and creates a more welcoming point of arrival. The space helps activate the building, making it easier to navigate while encouraging interaction between students, staff and visitors.
Bringing together Future Skills Studios, Careers and Employability services, the Students’ Union and a variety of formal and informal learning environments, the project creates stronger connections between education, support and campus life. Openness and accessibility were key drivers throughout the design, helping students engage more easily with the services, resources and opportunities available to them.
Concept and Strategy
The project extends beyond the building itself. Previously underused external courtyards were transformed into attractive public spaces that support both social interaction and informal learning. These landscaped areas create opportunities for students, staff and visitors to meet, relax and spend time on campus, strengthening the relationship between the building and its surroundings.
A significant improvement was also made to the Fassett Road entrance. Previously dominated by servicing and parking, this secondary arrival has been reimagined as a contemporary piece of public realm that engages positively with the surrounding residential streets and creates a welcoming gateway into the campus from the rear of the building.
Explore the Details
“The Penrhyn Road Campus Ground Floor Transformation has truly lived up to its name. It’s delivered hugely improved student social and welfare spaces, collaborative learning space, and new teaching space for Kingston University’s leading Future Skills programme.”
Director of Estates & Sustainability, Kingston University
Future-Ready by Design
Sustainability formed an important part of the project. Through the reuse and adaptation of existing building fabric, the design improves the performance and longevity of a key campus asset while reducing the environmental impact associated with new construction. The result is a future-ready learning environment that supports student wellbeing, collaboration and the University’s long-term estate ambitions.
Sustainability formed an important part of the project. Through the reuse and adaptation of existing building fabric, the project improves the performance and longevity of a key campus asset while reducing the environmental impact associated with new construction. The result is a future-ready learning environment that supports collaboration, wellbeing and a stronger sense of campus community in the University’s long-term estate ambitions.
Promode Hewagamage Interview
Kingston University Penrhyn Road Campus
