JDDK were appointed to develop detailed proposals for this new teaching facility which forms part of the University of Newcastle Medical School. The brief was to ensure optimum functionality for current learning requirements with in-built flexibility for future congruency with evolving educational needs. All this needed to be provided within strict affordability limits whilst delivering best value and high quality design.

The design centres around a large organically shaped foyer and provides a 150 seat lecture theatre, exhibition and multi-purpose areas, interlinked ‘mock wards’ for clinical skills training which can be used as seminar spaces when not in use. In addition, a library and resource centre were provided plus many research rooms and a south facing roof terrace garden.

Externally the building massing and colour scheme respond to the prominent site location, whilst internally a high quality environment includes creative integration of natural lighting, colour and artwork.

The appointment started in autumn of 2002 with construction starting within three months and the building was operational within the following 12 months. Construction was valued at just under £3.4m.