The University of Birmingham Masterplan Framework, London. Credit: Plomp.
As part of the masterplan framework, KPF analysed and evaluated the University of Birmingham’s portfolio of more than 300 buildings, with the strategic goal of attracting and retaining world-class students, researchers, and staff. The 2045 Campus Vision identifies opportunities for buildings to be retained, refurbished, transformed, or replaced – ultimately enabling the University’s mission to create a net zero, future-proof institution.
Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) is pleased to reveal the 2045 Campus Vision, a masterplan framework developed with the executive team and campus facilities of the University of Birmingham. The strategy was defined in collaboration with Ayers Saint Gross, supporting engineers, sustainability specialists, and public realm experts. Extensive existing building condition data – including operational cost, environmental performance, and space utilisation – was leveraged to create a strategy that will enable the University to deliver on its long-term goals while respecting its heritage.
“We are supporting the continuing evolution of one of Britain’s great academic institutions,” said KPF Principal Elie Gamburg. “Built around the needs of students, staff, visitors and the community, our vision supports the University of Birmingham in achieving its long-term ambitions, such as becoming a Global Top 50 University, while continuing to celebrate its physical heritage and history as the country’s first truly civic university.”
The University of Birmingham’s 2045 Campus Vision was formulated around a set of progressively broader objectives, from the campus itself to regional and global perspectives, adhering to the foundational principle of ‘fabric first.’ Key objectives include: integrating future-proofed teaching modalities within renovated and newly proposed facilities; enhancing and expanding interdisciplinary research spaces to elevate the University’s international standing; providing innovative campus life and residential facilities to foster an exceptional campus experience; implementing strategic building interventions in areas of greatest impact to achieve net-zero targets; and devising strategies to strengthen connections between the campus, its surrounding neighbourhoods, and the University within a global context.
“As the current stewards of our campuses, we have a responsibility to continue transforming and refining our environment,” said Trevor Payne, University of Birmingham Director of Estates. “We have developed the 2045 Campus Vision to aid the next phase of its evolution. From advancing our research excellence and enhancing our teaching to transforming our campus life and strengthening our residential offer, our 2045 Campus Vision provides us with a clear guide into the future while supporting our ambitions to be more accessible, digitally enabled and operationally sustainable.”
Following a competitive tender process, the University of Birmingham selected KPF to develop the 2045 Campus Vision. Close engagement with academics, students, leadership, and Professional Services staff identified ways to enhance teaching and support operational efficiency. Focus groups steered the KPF-led team and the university in exploring ideas, concepts, and pathways to refine and evolve the 2045 Campus Vision.
KPF has extensive experience in large-scale campus planning, most recently realised at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), and the design of academic buildings of all scales and types for leading academic institutions around the world.
Download the full press release here.