Developer Downing has been recognised at the Newcastle Lord Mayor’s Design Awards for its student accommodation development, The View, which was voted Best New Building.
The awards are given to outstanding projects in the fields of architecture, planning, environmental, urban and landscape design. The building was also awarded a People’s Choice award for its innovative design.
The 18 storey development next to Newcastle University Business School was designed by architect Simpson Haugh and Partners. The vibrant building is clad with screening made up of varying shades of blue glass which provide an ever-changing reflective façade.
“We’re delighted to hear that The View has been recognised as Newcastle’s best new building. The building is truly outstanding and creates a colourful and innovative addition to Newcastle’s sky line.
“The View offers a new concept in student accommodation for the city’s many university and college students and we hope its pioneering design will continue to inspire students as they complete their studies.
“Our accommodation is among some of the best in the UK with an eye for detail that is rare in the student market. We pride ourselves on offering a balance between independent living and a secure environment for students living away from home.”
Ann Lodge
Chief Executive at Downing
The 444 bedroom building comprises a mixture of cluster flats and studio rooms, and represents the final phase of the Downing Plaza development.
The area around the view is currently undergoing significant change through new development, most notably through the construction of Downing Plaza and Science Central which are set to transform this part of the city and realise Newcastle’s vision for the area.
Downing has previously been awarded the prestigious title of Best Tall Building in the World for the delivery of Broadcasting Tower in Leeds. The building which is known for its striking, irregular stepped design, is occupied by Leeds Beckett University and features 241 student residents and 110,000 sq. ft of teaching, and office space. The tower beat strong competition from some of the world’s most famous architectural schemes, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
