Wilkinson Eyre Architects were selected as the overall winner.

Their design produces a rational, elegant rectangular teaching building incorporating a full height glazed bioclimatic wall and rooftop pavilion structure, which is offset against a floating free form stainless steel clad auditorium. The building, which officially opened in May 2003, has been designed to incorporate the latest environmental systems and has achieved a BREEAM “excellent” rating.

In 2000 Anglia Ruskin University launched an RIBA invited competition to design a new £6.4 million business school. The purpose of the competition was to seek an imaginative design approach for the new building which was to become a powerhouse for modern learning and research. The centre had been funded by APU alumnus and ex-Conservative party treasurer, Michael Ashcroft. Lord Ashcroft completed a HND business studies course in the 1960s at the University.

"I am most impressed with the way the RIBA organised the competition and am, of course, delighted with the outcome."
M C Malone-Lee, Vice Chancellor, Anglia Polytechnic University

Awards

• RIBA Award 2005
• Civic Trust Award 2005