Hassell create collaborative environment for flagship business school

Named for the ‘father of economics’, the final phase of the Adam Smith Building designed by Tenderstream member Hassell for the University of Glasgow has completed, a year after the school celebrated its 300th anniversary. Situated within the rich heritage of the Gillmorehill campus, the 11,500sq m business school and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) hub is designed to foster collaboration and a sense of community for students, staff and visitors.

Spread over six floors, Hassell’s design prioritises collaborative learning, eliminating traditional barriers between students and staff and creating an interactive workspace that fosters open discourse and a sense of community. State-of-the-art academic offices, workspaces and teaching spaces are organised into three interconnected ‘stacks’. The southern zone hosts research and academic facilities, while the northern zone is focussed on teaching and learning. An expansive central breakout zone brings together both areas at the heart of the building.

As part of the university’s expansion and development masterplan, the building serves as a campus gateway. Contrary to a mass, unified block, the exterior design features a unique masonry façade that wraps the building and creates a solid civic presence. With a colour scheme that harmonises with its historic environment, the building prioritises modern interiors that foster connectivity among students, visitors and staff and create a welcoming space for the broader community.

Professor Eleanor Shaw OBE, head of the Adam Smith Business School, stated: “I am delighted with our new building. It is a beautiful, light open space that offers many opportunities for delivering excellent learning experiences for our students, and collaborative, welcoming offices, meeting rooms, and spaces for our staff and external partners.”

Lucy Nordberg

Tenderstream Head of Research

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