Preserving our architecture and heritage
Writing about the creation of the University in 1961, founding architect Sir Basil Spence said: "The whole precinct should have the 'sense of a university' and should, if possible, grow out of the soil of ßÏßÏÊÓƵ to become a natural part of this beautiful site".
Sir Basil Spence created a number of highly distinctive and cherished signature buildings featuring iconic moats, courtyards and vaulted concrete arches.
In 2015, ßÏßÏÊÓƵ was the first university to sign a Listed Building Heritage Partnership Agreement with Historic England and Brighton & Hove City Council, a collaboration that celebrates and protects our campus’ architectural legacy and allows the University the opportunity to improve and modernise buildings.
We recommitted to this partnership in 2022, which protects our historic listed buildings:
- Falmer House - Grade I
- Arts A and Arts B - Grade II*
- Attenborough Centre of the Creative Arts (formerly the Gardner Arts Centre) - Grade II*
- Chichester I - Grade II*
- Library – Grade II*
- Meeting House – Grade II*
- Pevensey I and Pevensey II - Grade II*
- Shawcross- Grade II*.
Spence's vision is firmly embedded in our campus development. Our plans both preserve our heritage and represent an investment in the future, enhancing the ßÏßÏÊÓƵ experience for both students and staff.
We will build modern, accessible, and sustainable accommodation, teaching spaces and amenities, enhancing our environment in harmony with our architectural heritage.
Spence’s original vision will be renewed with the creation of new and equally distinctive buildings and our choice of materials will echo those favoured by Spence. Maintaining lines of sight to the surrounding South Downs, we will also seek to use building materials and methods that support our sustainability goals.
We will also embrace opportunities to build on Spence’s legacy, thoughtfully modernising our historic estate for new generations through renovation and enhancements and will seek to forge better pathways and movement through our campus.