Last Thursday, The Wave took home the Judges’ Special Award for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Sheffield Design Awards.
“The University of Sheffield’s ‘The Wave’ is inspired by the fluid and overlapping nature of Social Sciences and fostering a cohesive faculty identity.”
Last Thursday, The Wave at Sheffield University took home the Judges’ Special Award for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Sheffield Design Awards. The Wave was also shortlisted for the Large Project Award, standing out as a key contender for its innovative design and social impact.
The judges highlighted The Wave’s inspiration, drawn from the fluid and overlapping nature of the Social Sciences, aiming to foster a strong faculty identity. They noted:
“The University of Sheffield’s ‘The Wave’ is inspired by the fluid and overlapping nature of Social Sciences and fostering a cohesive faculty identity. The building’s architecture features curved floorplates surrounding a central atrium, housing an interdisciplinary research hub at its heart. This layout facilitates collaborative research between academics, creating a whole new learning experience that excites users.”
Spanning 6,600 square metres, The Wave is part of the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences and was designed to meet growth needs through to 2035. The brief aimed to create a hub for five departments that were previously spread across 12 separate buildings. This consolidation into a single, highly sustainable space not only establishes a clear faculty identity but also promotes collaboration, enhancing the university’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
The project team included HLM Architects as the lead designer, with BAM Construction as the main contractor, Mott MacDonald as the structural engineer, Arup handling mechanical and electrical engineering, Turner & Townsend as the cost consultant, and Mace as the project manager. The collaboration with a local design team ensured the building met the needs of all stakeholders, providing true social value.
Beyond its academic purpose, The Wave serves as a community asset. It supports students from across the university and local residents, offering public spaces like pocket parks and hosting community events. Notably, The Wave Kitchen regularly holds Weston Park Cancer Charity Coffee Mornings, providing a welcoming space for patients, friends, and hospital staff to gather and support each other.
The Wave’s recognition at the Sheffield Design Awards highlights its success in merging cutting-edge design with a strong social mission, setting a new standard for future educational and community spaces in Sheffield.
