IBI Group to Design Cardiff University Journalism School
– Cutting Edge Facilities will Inspire Next Generation Journalists –
IBI Group has been announced as the architects for the new state-of-the-art headquarters for Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.
The commission will involve the transformation of 2 Central Square offices, located in Cardiff’s Central Square Development, into an innovative, collaborative and professional learning space.
Situated next door to the new BBC Cymru Wales, the new School of Journalism location will promote industry-academic interface, putting the School at the heart of a vibrant media environment in the city centre.
With 89% of the School’s research being classed as world leading or internationally excellent, the refit is set to incorporate a number of technically-advanced design features that will not only enable students to excel in their chosen subject, but further raise the profile of the School as a world-leading centre of journalism.
Architect, Richard Golledge from IBI Group said: “Our Learning+ team is privileged to have been selected to design what will be a flagship learning environment; a place that inspires the next generation of national and international journalists to succeed. As local architects that design leading education estates globally, we are proud to be contributing to the excellent reputation that both the city and Cardiff University have gained for first-class education facilities.”
The new building will provide the students with their own TV and radio studios, a 300-seat lecture theatre, six newsrooms, dedicated editing suites, a postgraduate research space, a library, and innovation and stakeholder engagement labs, whilst offering them valuable employability skills.
The School and BBC Wales have a strong working relationship, thanks to a long standing programme of professional training journalism internships. The cutting-edge facilities will be a shared resource, enabling a continued exchange of knowledge and experience.
Professor Stuart Allan, Head of the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies said: “The BBC global reputation for media production, together with the innovative design of the new buildings, will make this a centre for excellence that will be genuinely world-class.”
Work is due to start on the interior of the building in August 2017.
Notes to the editor
About IBI Group
IBI Group Inc. (TSX:IBG) is a globally integrated architecture, planning, engineering, and technology firm with over 2,600 professionals around the world. For more than 40 years, its dedicated professionals have helped clients create liveable, sustainable, and advanced urban environments. IBI Group believes that cities must be designed with intelligent systems, sustainable buildings, efficient infrastructure, and a human touch. Visit oujchfm.com or follow us on Twitter @IBIGroup.
Studios in the UK and Ireland include: London, Cardiff, Brighton, Rochdale, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newark, Birmingham and Dublin.
IBI Group UK media contact:
Katie Endicott
Email: Katie.endicott@oujchfm.com
Tel: 01273 560920 / 07500 991606
