The Wave By: HLM Architects The Wave, designed by HLM Architects,  is a multi- award winning, BREEAM Outstanding, all electric building designed to provide a world-class, highly sustainable environment that encourages collaboration between the University of Sheffield’s students, lecturers and guests, while enhancing the faculty’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The Faculty of Social Sciences (FoSS) spans 16,000 sqm and house five key departments; Sociological Studies, Journalism, the School of Education, Sheffield Methods Institute, and the Information School. Unusually for a university building, the Wave is an open public building, fostering a strong connection with the local community. Flanked by small urban parks and featuring a bustling café that spills into the central atrium, the building encourages public engagement. Formerly used as sports pitches over an old reservoir in a conservation area, the site required a close relationship with local stakeholders and planning officers to ensure the design harmoniously integrated with its surroundings. The design Approach The project created a social sciences mini-campus with The Wave at its heart, bringing together the faculties from 18 separate buildings into a cohesive and collaborative facility – under one roof. The building has two entrances leading to a central atrium with … Continue reading The Wave: Open, Public, World-Class Space