The Spark recognised for standing the test of time at Education Estates Awards

A decade after it opened its doors, Southampton Solent University’s The Spark has been named a building that stood the test of time, winning the Building Resilience award at the Education Estates Awards 2026.

Scott Brownrigg, the architecture and design practice behind The Spark, submitted the case study to mark the building’s 10th anniversary. The award recognises a building that continues to serve students, staff and the wider community, with the project selected from a shortlist of six.

On receiving the award, Ian Pratt, Director at Scott Brownrigg said: "I’m delighted The Spark continues to serve Southampton Solent University so well and I’m thrilled with this award. Thank you to all project partners and especially the University."

The Spark brings together interactive teaching spaces, lecture theatres and social areas around a 60-metre central atrium. It houses 40 teaching spaces, including 35 classrooms and five lecture rooms, with capacity for 1,500 people, and connects to the wider East Park Terrace site.

At its heart is the Pod, a lecture theatre with an open-topped viewing platform overlooking the atrium, standing on 11-metre legs and weighs 67 tonnes.

Professor James Knowles, Vice-Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, said: " This award is a tribute to the vision behind The Spark, which has been at the heart of Solent for a decade. It is a distinctive place to learn, and it shapes both our students’ experience and the confidence they leave with. I am grateful to Scott Brownrigg and everyone who has helped it thrive."

"Winning this award ten years after The Spark opened is a proud moment for everyone at Solent. The building was designed to be flexible, welcoming and accessible, and it has done that job for a decade, supporting our students at Solent, Sarah Radif, Dean, School of Technology and Maritime Industries at the University said.

"It’s a place where people come together to learn, collaborate and connect. Colleagues across the university helped make this submission possible, and I’m looking forward to seeing how The Spark continues to evolve and serve our students and city over the next ten years."

The Education Estates Awards celebrate those shaping the future of learning environments through innovation, development and outstanding achievement.

The 2026 programme featured 17 categories, honouring the work of consultants, contractors, architects and clients, as well as ground-breaking work in innovation and sustainability.