Education
Arden University
A flagship campus designed to support growth, connectivity and a modern student experience
7 Floors
26 Weeks
93,165 Sq Ft
The Challenge
Arden University required a flagship London campus capable of supporting high student volumes while creating a more efficient and engaging learning environment. The design needed to overcome circulation constraints within the building while creating a more modern and cohesive student experience.
The Solution
We delivered a full campus transformation that prioritised enhanced circulation, high-quality teaching environments and dedicated facilities for student support, collaboration and wellbeing.
The Result
The completed campus provides a clear and intuitive experience for students and staff alike. Its design principles have since become the foundation for subsequent Arden campuses, helping create a more consistent identity across the university portfolio.
Arden University is one of the UK's leading providers of flexible higher education, supporting students through blended and online learning.
Designed around the needs of students, staff and visitors, the campus combines teaching, support and social spaces within a clear and intuitive environment. Every element was carefully considered to improve the day-to-day experience while supporting the operational demands of a busy higher education setting.
Spaces That Support the Full Student Experience
The campus was designed to provide more than teaching spaces alone. Alongside over 70 classrooms, the scheme includes a dedicated student hub, staff workspaces, breakout areas and refreshment facilities that support students throughout the day.
A generous reception area creates a welcoming first impression, while student support spaces, staff zones and social settings are integrated throughout the campus. Refreshment facilities were carefully incorporated in line with Arden’s “sticky campus” model, encouraging students to remain within the building between classes, collaborate with peers and engage more fully with university life.
Designed Around Student Flow
With approximately 1,200 students moving through the building each day, circulation became one of the project’s defining considerations.
The existing building presented limited space between reception and the main lift core, requiring a carefully planned solution to prevent congestion during peak periods. We introduced nine speed gates, a widened staircase and a platform lift, creating a seamless route between arrival, reception and the upper teaching floors.
The result is a smoother journey throughout the building while supporting operational accessibility and reducing congestion.
Creating a New Campus Model
Beyond the physical transformation, the project provided an opportunity to redefine how Arden’s campuses look and feel.
Maris developed a refreshed design language that moved away from the university’s previous environments, creating a more contemporary identity. The approach establishes a recognisable Arden campus model while allowing each location to reflect its own setting, balancing a consistent university identity with a strong sense of local character.
The success of the London flagship has since influenced subsequent Arden developments, creating a framework that can be adapted to different locations while maintaining a consistent experience across the university’s expanding portfolio.