The new lecture theatre design formed part of a total commission which involved the masterplan of a new campus and the design of the initial phase . Forming a public interface and gateway building to the campus, the structural and acoustic requirements of the free standing external walls informed a “diaphragm wall” solution, combined with a floating roof.

Early design studies included an examination of seating disposition and rake to take account of all current forms of audio visual, as well as oral presentation.

The acoustic design for the auditorium also allows the venue to be used for recitals and recording, while clerestory windows enable lectures to benefit from natural lighting.