Advanced Research Centre (ARC)

The ARC is a university‑wide facility designed to support teamwork, interdisciplinary research and external engagement. It forms the western edge of a new campus square and includes a public route through the building, physically and visually connecting the University with the surrounding West End community through a transparent, glass‑fronted design.

At entry level, a light‑filled central atrium provides a welcoming focal point, incorporating a café, exhibition areas, seminar spaces and a dedicated immersive technologies facility (ARC XR). These spaces are accessible to the wider University community and support engagement, collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The building comprises five levels, with core facilities at lower level, engagement and shared spaces at entry level, and three upper floors dedicated to interdisciplinary research. Designed by HOK, the ARC maximises daylight, views and proximity between laboratories, research spaces, informal meeting areas and communal spaces.

Purpose‑designed interaction areas and research “neighbourhoods” encourage intentional collaboration among researchers, creating a dynamic environment that supports critical mass, interdisciplinary exchange and innovation without losing a sense of community.