IQ Building, SA1 Waterfront Innovation Quarter

Where disciplines meet and ideas emerge

Together with the University, we’ve created an inspiring new learning environment in Swansea’s SA1 Innovation Quarter—designed to bring different disciplines together and foster a collaborative, hands-on approach to education.

Phase 1 of the £400m Waterfront Innovation Quarter

The first phase of this major regeneration project includes IQ—a cutting-edge faculty building that houses: Applied Computing, Automotive Engineering, Architecture, Built and Natural Environments, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Logistics.

Alongside IQ, we’ve developed a new campus library along with the Construction Wales Innovation Centre, and high-quality public realm spaces that enhance the student experience.

Industrial heritage, future-focused design

The buildings are designed to reflect the historic character of Swansea docks, with red brickwork, arched openings on the ground floor, and grouped windows above to create a bold, industrial look.

The project is aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. We targetted Research and Critical Problem Solving and Skills and Work-based Learning.

Innovation through collaboration

We partnered with students from the Applied Arts faculty and postgraduate glass specialists to develop features using heat-fused recycled glass, showcased in areas like the building’s reception desk.

Designed for real learning

The building is centred around shared spaces, like a learning commons and a construction lab, where students from different courses can work together.

Instead of tiered lecture halls, students learn in open rooms where they work in groups, guided by academic staff. This hands-on approach helps them gain practical, career-ready skills.

From vision to reality

Planning approval was expertly led by Stride Treglown’s Town Planning team, who secured reserved matters approval in July 2016 and cleared all pre-commencement conditions—paving the way for this transformative project to become a reality.