School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building
The construction of a new state-of-the art building for the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science is set to transform the way we educate our students, and it will become a hub for innovation, research and enterprise.
Set to open in 2024, the building will be versatile, multi-purpose and flexible providing the space needed to work effectively with cutting edge tools and facilities for students, staff and businesses. It will accommodate all the School’s teaching staff and researchers under one roof, enhancing the student experience and creating stronger and more supportive academic communities and teaching spaces. Our new facilities will replicate the modern working environments that mirror our students’ future careers.
Set over five floors and extending beyond 15,000m2, making it the largest single structure on campus, our aim is to inspire the next generation of engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and physicists, while also serving as a hub for businesses that want access to a high technology environment. Students will benefit from large Experiential Learning Zones, workshops and laboratories as well as flexible teaching and learning environments.
The building will house modelling, simulation and research labs, including our Merlin Flight Simulator and automotive workshop complete with electric vehicle facility, as well as a wind tunnel, welding bay and controls testing suite. Students will have access to state-of-the-art cyber security facilities while the upper floors will provide space for workshops, research and computer science, as well as social and meeting spaces.
The computer science labs house telecommunications, robotics, robotics teaching, human-robot interaction and UX empathy labs. The research spaces and hub include space for dark rooms, clean rooms, sample prep labs, calibration and assembly labs. All of this will support our Research Centres in Astrophysics, Atmospheric & Climate Physics, Climate Change, Biodetection Technologies and Computer Science & Informatics.
The project has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of the University’s plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient. Construction started in January 2022.
The University of Hertfordshire is funding the majority of this investment and is seeking partnerships and philanthropic support.