A black and white sign with the text "FAB" standing in a field of purple flowers

University of Warwick, Faculty of Arts Building

Marrying the arts with nature through sustainable design
Location
Coventry, England
Client
The University of Warwick
Awards
  • 2023 Stirling Prize for Building of the Year Finalist

Creating a vibrant landscape

LUC collaborated with architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to design and deliver the landscape for the University of Warwick’s Faculty of Arts Building (FAB).

This landmark project united the Arts and Humanities Faculties in a new, collaborative space and aimed to create a vibrant hub at the heart of the campus.

Images © Paul Upward Photography

A large, modern building with a stone facade and a glass atrium. The building has a sign above the entrance that says "Faculty of Arts Building"
a group of people walking in front of a building
A long wooden bench sits in front of a modern glass building with large windows at night. The bench is surrounded by plants in planters
A large, modern building with a stone facade and a glass atrium. The building has a sign above the entrance that says "Faculty of Arts Building"
a group of people walking in front of a building
A long wooden bench sits in front of a modern glass building with large windows at night. The bench is surrounded by plants in planters
A large, modern building with a stone facade and a glass atrium. The building has a sign above the entrance that says "Faculty of Arts Building"
a group of people walking in front of a building
A long wooden bench sits in front of a modern glass building with large windows at night. The bench is surrounded by plants in planters

Design that inspires

The landscape design fosters a sense of community and provides beautiful green spaces for students, staff, and visitors to enjoy.

It also incorporates sustainable features and celebrates existing mature trees.

A field of tall green grass swaying in the wind, next to a line of trees in the distance
a woman sitting on a bench

Masterplanning and planting design

LUC worked collaboratively with the design team to create a masterplan that respected the setting. We incorporated a variety of spaces, including interconnected seating plazas, a Mediterranean garden themed around the island of Delphi, and an outdoor performance space.

The planting design utilises herbaceous borders, bold drifts of ornamental grasses, and shrub planting to create a colourful and welcoming environment.

a group of people sitting on a stone bench
A row of bicycles parked in a rack in front of the University of Warwick's Faculty of Arts building. The building is made of red brick with large windows and decorative terracotta features
A view of a modern building with a glass facade partially obscured by blades of green grass in the foreground
a group of people sitting on a stone bench
A row of bicycles parked in a rack in front of the University of Warwick's Faculty of Arts building. The building is made of red brick with large windows and decorative terracotta features
A view of a modern building with a glass facade partially obscured by blades of green grass in the foreground
a group of people sitting on a stone bench
A row of bicycles parked in a rack in front of the University of Warwick's Faculty of Arts building. The building is made of red brick with large windows and decorative terracotta features
A view of a modern building with a glass facade partially obscured by blades of green grass in the foreground

Sustainable design

Sustainability principles were embedded throughout the design process. The planting scheme incorporates low-maintenance species and utilises rainwater harvesting techniques.

The mature trees were carefully preserved and integrated into the new landscape.

A modern building with a glass facade and a wooden bench with a backrest sits on a sidewalk lined with trees. In front of the bench are planters with bushes

Creating a sense of place

The landscape design reflects the University's commitment to the Arts and Humanities. The 'Delphi garden references the classical world and incorporates cypress trees grown from seed from the Greek island, while the overall aesthetic complements the contemporary architecture of the building.

The variety of spaces caters to different needs and encourages interaction and collaboration.

The team

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