The John Galsworthy Building at Kingston University is a transformational teaching and learning facility that has redefined the character and organisation of the Penrhyn Road campus. Designed by John McAslan + Partners, the building provides 70 versatile teaching rooms with a total student capacity of 2,500, supported by three lecture theatres, IT access space and a variety of social and collaborative environments. Its arrival created a new public open space - now the social heart of the campus - strengthening connections between academic activity, student life and the broader community.

The building is organised around a clear spatial logic, with a robust structural grid and generously scaled internal spaces that support flexibility for present and future needs. Workshops, classrooms and formal teaching spaces are complemented by breakout zones and social areas that encourage informal exchange and cross-disciplinary interaction.

Architecture and performance
Constructed as a six-storey complex with a distinctive external presence, the building’s materiality and light-filled interiors set a new benchmark for Kingston University’s architecture. Thoughtful attention to scale, natural light and spatial clarity results in an environment that is both purposeful and welcoming.

The project’s impact on the campus has been widely recognised, earning multiple RIBA awards that affirm its contribution to higher education architecture. By combining flexible academic spaces with a vibrant social core, the John Galsworthy Building not only enhances daily campus life but also embodies a vision of collegiate culture grounded in collaboration, adaptability and architectural presence.