2007 saw the completion of two new buildings for Northumbria University’s City Campus East.  Designed by Atkins, Leeds, the new buildings were part of a £136million development project which now provides facilities for 9000 students in the Schools of Design, Law and Business.

Since its opening in September 2007, City Campus East has become a Newcastle landmark, winning awards from The Journal newspaper and the Low Carbon New Build Project of the Year.

The aim of the School of Design project was to re-house and expand the existing School which was over 30 years old.  The new development now provides a contemporary building which has enabled the introduction of new teaching methods and provides state-of-the-art facilities for the students.

One of the main features for the School of Design was the development of a stunning glass atrium reception area, which not only creates a dramatic visual statement but also provides a striking gallery area for student exhibitions.

Professor James More, the Dean of the School of Design believes that the new campus heralds an exciting new era both for the School and for the University.

“The new campus provides us with a fantastic platform to engage with the design community and industry as a whole.  And, by situating the Schools of Law, Business and Design in one place, I firmly believe we are creating a powerful force to be reckoned with.”

Although the new campus opened in 2007, Boss products were not introduced until 2008.  Herman Miller won the contract to furnish the buildings and recommended Boss seating for the School of Design’s atrium reception area, and the student and staff reception and lounge areas.

Principal Lecturer, John Elliott, and Head of 3D Design, Trevor Duncan, from the School of Design selected the Layla sofa collection and the Tom, Dick and Harry range from the Boss London showroom.  Although this was the first time the School had worked with Boss they were already familiar with Boss products from a design point of view. 

As John Elliott described “We were extremely pleased that Herman Miller put Boss forward.  We were aware that Boss had a good reputation and felt their products reflected who we are and what we value as a School of Design.” 

He continues; “The simple geometric outline of the furniture worked well with the interior of the building. Both ranges of seating are very refined in their detail and ideal for the principal areas of visitor contact such  as the entrance gallery and first floor reception areas of the building.”

Tom, Dick and Harry add a splash of colour to the main reception area in a combination of yellow, green and black Kvadrat Divina Melange upholstery.  The colour scheme was inspired by an existing Tom, Dick and Harry installation which was included in the Boss Overview Brochure.

Layla was specified in cream leather and was utilised in the smaller student reception area on the second floor.  The staff room used a combination of both the Layla range and the Tom, Dick and Harry collection.

As John Elliott commented “This is the first time the University has invested on such a large scale in ranges of furniture from distinguished designers and manufacturers.  We are delighted not only with the appearance but also the build quality and comfort of the products from Boss.  It sends out exactly the right message for our School  - not only enhancing corporate image but also reflecting that we are, amongst many other things, also a School of furniture design.”