Leeds Arts University Cafe Extension & Teaching Space

The Project is located directly in front of the University’s cafe on a busy main road in Leeds City Centre, and consists of a new two-storey (745m2) extension comprising of an expanded cafe space, with large studio space above, computer room, recording studio, classrooms, toilets and refurbishment to the existing cafe area and studio space with green roof.

The large flexible studio space located above the breakout area extends the studios within the existing building and is reached via a series of bridge walkways across a double height lightwell. At ground level this lightwell acts as a central circulation spine.

The building’s new roof terrace links directly back to the existing building and consists of a paved terrace with a large area of planting. There is also a full corridor of skylights above the walkways linking the existing building to the new extension. Alterations to an existing secondary entrance to the building allows this to serve a small 24 hour cluster created within the footprint of the existing building.

The newly created 24-hour hub, consisting of music practice rooms and a video editing suite, is self-contained within the ground floor of the existing building, and can be segregated from the rest of site using security shutters.

All works were carried out on the live, fully operational university campus with the needs of the students, staff and general public at the forefront of the logistical planning.