Psychology Building
University of Essex
This building was the first of a new generation of academic buildings intended to provide flexible space for undergraduate teaching and postgraduate research.
Its heavy masonry base rises from the steeply sloping site to meet the elevated podium level.
An external stair ascends the outside face of the building between solid rampart-like walls arriving at the podium level to provide a new pedestrian connection between the approach road and the main University concourse.
Above the base a custom fabricated wall of timber and glass framing encloses the upper floors. The concrete structural frame was left exposed internally to provide thermal stability and a central services spine and deep raised floor were provided to ensure future flexibility.
