St Mary’s Campus

The transformation of St Mary’s Campus has redefined the University of West London’s learning environment — creating an interior that connects people, buildings, and the wider community. The design revitalises a series of existing structures into a single, cohesive setting where education, culture, and social life come together.

Appointed as delivery interior design architects, our role was to translate the conceptual vision into a fully resolved, buildable interior that would bring warmth, clarity, and connection to the heart of the campus.

The new design centres around a bright, glazed atrium that draws daylight deep into the interior — creating a welcoming “heartspace” where students and staff naturally meet, collaborate, and socialise. Circulation routes and shared spaces are carefully layered to encourage interaction and movement, while quieter areas provide moments of retreat and reflection.

Interiors open outwards to the surrounding courtyards and public spaces, strengthening the relationship between inside and out. Large areas of glazing frame views across the campus, reinforcing a sense of openness and belonging. Warm, tactile finishes — natural timber, textured surfaces, and soft neutral tones — create a calm, inclusive atmosphere that supports wellbeing and concentration.

Our focus during delivery was to ensure the integrity of the design intent while optimising every detail for performance and longevity. Flexible layouts, modular furniture, and adaptable partitions allow spaces to serve multiple functions — from teaching and study to events and community gatherings.

By creating visual and spatial continuity across buildings, the interior design unites the campus into a coherent whole. Students and staff now move fluidly between learning spaces, social hubs, and cultural venues, strengthening both collaboration and campus identity.

The reimagined interiors have transformed the way the university connects — internally and externally. The inclusion of a new performance space and community areas has opened the campus to the wider public, inviting local residents and visitors to participate in university life.

This civic integration has given St Mary’s Campus a new sense of purpose — it is no longer just a place for study, but a shared environment that nurtures creativity, conversation, and connection.

The atrium was designed to maximise daylight, enhancing energy efficiency and creating bright, welcoming spaces that support student well-being. Durable, low-impact materials were chosen to align with UWL’s long-term sustainability goals.

Flexible spaces were incorporated to adapt to changing educational needs, positioning the campus for the future and minimising the need for future modifications. This approach ensures that UWL’s campus remains both sustainable and functional, balancing ecological responsibility with modern design.