The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) commissioned an update to its Hawkshead Campus Masterplan in Hertfordshire, UK, to support future growth by realigning the campus development boundary and establishing a framework for on-site facilities.
Challenge
Supporting future campus growth required a clear strategy for redevelopment, expansion, and long-term infrastructure viability. The masterplan also needed to improve campus focus, wayfinding, connectivity, and the relationship between learning, researching, and working.
Solution
Informed by extensive surveys and a phased development strategy, the masterplan organizes the campus into distinct zones for residential, social, and educational uses, separated by green landscape corridors. A new student-focused building creates a physical link between residential and clinical areas, designed around a central concourse, while the teaching spaces spans three floors and connects the Teaching and Research Centre laboratory to offices, social spaces, lecture theatres, and the library.
Outcome
Flexibility is the key driver to allow the RVC to meet evolving curriculum and developing technologies in research and teaching. The masterplan establishes a clear framework for long-term growth, while improved wayfinding, social spaces, and landscape integration enhance the experience of students, staff, and visitors.
Flexibility is the key driver to allow the RVC to meet evolving curriculum and developing technologies in both research and teaching.
The new building forms a public gateway to the more sensitive clinical areas
The primary 450-seat lecture theatre can be subdivided to offer whole cohort teaching or smaller groups as required.
A precast colonnade creates rhythm, contrast, solar shading, and privacy.
Photo Credit: David Cadzow
