The Heartspace

The Engineering Heartspace at the University of Sheffield transforms a collection of historic buildings into a light-filled, contemporary environment for collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Bringing together old and new, the design reimagines the heart of the Faculty of Engineering as a dynamic, people-centred interior that celebrates the university’s heritage while embracing its future.

At the core of the project is a vast, four-storey glass atrium that links two Grade II listed buildings — creating a central gathering place filled with natural light and visual transparency. The interior design focuses on openness, movement, and connection: layered circulation routes, bridges, and social terraces encourage interaction between students, researchers, and staff.

Materiality plays a key role in uniting the past with the present. Exposed brickwork and restored stonework retain the warmth and character of the original buildings, while contemporary finishes — glass balustrades, engineered timber, and clean, minimal detailing — bring a sense of clarity and precision befitting a world-leading engineering faculty.

Furniture, lighting, and spatial zoning were designed to support multiple modes of working and learning, from focused individual study to informal collaboration. The interiors balance academic rigour with social vibrancy — creating a place that feels both inspiring and inclusive.

The project delivers a lasting legacy for the University of Sheffield: a highly adaptable interior environment that supports interdisciplinary learning and future growth. The design encourages interaction between students and staff, facilitating knowledge exchange and shared creativity within a single cohesive space.

Every detail was designed with longevity in mind — from flexible furniture systems and robust materials to carefully controlled acoustics and daylight. The result is an interior that performs as well as it inspires: efficient, inclusive, and ready to evolve alongside new teaching and research needs.

The transformation of the Engineering Heartspace has revitalised the Faculty of Engineering — and, by extension, the wider university community. What was once a disconnected series of corridors and laboratories is now a vibrant social hub that fosters collaboration across disciplines.

The new atrium, complete with informal seating, café areas, and open study zones, has become a welcoming destination for both students and staff. Beyond its physical impact, the Heartspace enhances the university’s sense of identity, celebrating Sheffield’s engineering heritage while embodying its forward-looking spirit.

Sustainability guided every design decision. The reuse of the existing fabric preserved embodied carbon and heritage value, while the introduction of energy-efficient systems and high-performance glazing reduced ongoing environmental impact. The natural ventilation strategy, coupled with generous daylighting, minimises reliance on mechanical systems and enhances user wellbeing.

The Engineering Heartspace stands as a living example of sustainable interior design — demonstrating how sensitive intervention, thoughtful materiality, and human-focused spaces can breathe new life into historic buildings.