The Richard Cairns Building, Brighton College

Brighton and Hove, South East

The Richard Cairns Building is a striking and purposeful educational facility that supports the evolving academic and cultural needs of Brighton College while responding with sensitivity and confidence to its historic campus setting. The project provides state-of-the-art teaching and performance spaces within a coherent architectural framework, reinforcing the College’s commitment to excellence in education while strengthening the spatial and social life of the school. Its ambition is expressed through clarity, generosity and long-term adaptability rather than visual excess.

The building is defined by clarity of form and a careful calibration of scale. Contemporary detailing and materials establish a strong and confident identity, ensuring that the building is clearly of its time, while massing, alignment and proportion respond thoughtfully to neighbouring historic structures. This balance allows the building to sit comfortably within the campus demonstrating how modern educational architecture can coexist with heritage through respect rather than deference.

The organisation of the building supports a wide range of educational activities. Teaching spaces, performance areas and shared facilities are arranged to encourage collaboration, movement and interaction, reflecting contemporary approaches to learning that value flexibility and exchange. Internally, circulation is clear and legible, allowing students and staff to navigate the building easily and confidently. Shared spaces are generous and well-positioned, supporting informal learning, rehearsal and gathering alongside more formal teaching.

Performance and specialist spaces are integrated as key elements of the building. Their presence reinforces the importance of creative and expressive disciplines within the wider educational offer, supporting the College’s holistic approach to learning. The building’s spatial hierarchy ensures that these spaces are both functional and celebrated, contributing to a lively and varied internal environment.

Environmental performance is embedded through a fabric-first approach combined with efficient building systems. Daylighting is carefully managed to support concentration and wellbeing, while ventilation and thermal comfort are addressed to create healthy internal environments throughout the year. These strategies reduce energy demand and support consistent comfort, ensuring that sustainability objectives are aligned with educational performance rather than competing with it.

The emphasis on robust construction and long-term durability ensures that the building will serve the College well over time. Environmental strategies are integrated discreetly, allowing the architecture to remain focused on use, experience and longevity. In this way, sustainability is understood not as a technical add-on, but as an integral part of creating a building that performs well socially, environmentally and educationally.

Inclusive design is fundamental to the project’s success. Step-free access is provided throughout, supported by clear circulation routes and well-proportioned spaces that accommodate a diverse school community. Adaptable teaching and performance spaces ensure that the building can support a wide range of users and activities, enabling independent use and fostering a sense of belonging. Wayfinding is intuitive, reducing barriers and supporting confidence among students, staff and visitors.

The Richard Cairns Building enhances the life of Brighton College by providing spaces that support learning, creativity and performance within a dignified and contemporary architectural setting. It demonstrates how new educational buildings can respond sensitively to historic contexts while meeting modern pedagogical needs.