Leading the large multi-disciplinary project team, Scott Brownrigg has developed the vision and the design for the new Spark Teaching Building for Southampton Solent University in close consultation with a wide range of the University’s stakeholders and focus groups. The £33m development is conceived as an academic hub and showcase for excellence in learning, teaching, research, innovation and student achievement. The building provides a ‘mixed economy’ of teaching and learning spaces. Utilising the existing topography of the site, two large destination lecture theatres (including a Harvard style lecture theatre) are located below the main atrium level. Accommodation is arranged over five storeys around an impressive, full-height atrium space with a stunning ‘Solent Red’ pod at its centre and a high definition digital media wall at the far eastern end. The Pod ‘welcomes’ students, staff and visitors to ‘The Spark’ and has a curvilinear lecture space at its heart and an open break-out area on top with commanding views over the atrium / East Park. The atrium unifies the new and existing buildings whilst providing a major arrival space, social learning areas and a venue for large events including presentations, graduation ceremonies, gala dinners, exhibitions and fashion shows. Overall, the design of ‘The Spark’ simultaneously conveys a sense of permanence, dynamism, openness and transparency. The new teaching building is one of the seven ‘Very Important Projects’ identified in the Southampton City Centre Masterplan.