The Diamond

2nd December 2015

32 Leavygreave Rd, Sheffield S3 7RD

Tour led by - The University of Sheffield

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At the beginning of December we were able to have a guided tour of 'The Diamond', the newest, and largest investment in teaching and learning ever carried out by The University of Sheffield.  The £81 million, 19,500sqm building houses specialist engineering facilities as well as lecture theatres, a library, study spaces and a cafe.

Leading the excellent tour was Richard Parr, the Project Manager for the University of Sheffields Estates and Facilities Management Department.  Starting at the ground floor and basement (which are open to the public), we were taken slowly up the building, into the 'moonscape', the central atrium space and up to the teaching spaces that can only be accessed by students and staff.  Some of the most interesting features and tidbits of information are noted with the photographs below.

The building was designed by Twelve Architects in collaboration with the University, and the intricate facade reflects the stone tracery of the church adjacent.  A naturally ventilated central atrium brings light into the centre of the building, and the facade harvests rainwater, adding to the buildings' sustainable credentials.  The study spaces sit at the centre of the plan, with views into the labs and project spaces beyond.