Ten years after opening, The Spark at Southampton Solent University continues to demonstrate the value of designing for adaptability, inclusivity and long-term performance.

A recent post-occupancy evaluation (POE) found that the building remains highly effective in supporting teaching, learning and campus life, despite significant changes in educational practices, technology and student demand since its completion in 2016.

Originally delivered as part of the university’s £100 million campus transformation programme, The Spark was designed to bring learning, teaching, social and event spaces together within a shared academic environment. The POE highlights how this vision has endured, with the building continuing to support collaborative learning, cross-disciplinary engagement and flexible teaching approaches.

One of the key findings was the building’s adaptability. Flexible layouts, movable furniture and technology-enabled spaces have allowed The Spark to evolve alongside changing user needs, accommodating increased demand with minimal physical alteration.

The evaluation also identified wider benefits beyond teaching and learning. Over the past decade, The Spark has become a focal point for campus and community activity, hosting a diverse range of academic, cultural and public events while strengthening connections between the university and the wider city.

For designers, the findings underline the importance of post-occupancy evaluation in understanding how buildings perform over time. By capturing insights from those who use and manage spaces every day, POE provides valuable evidence to inform future projects and support continuous learning across the built environment sector.

A decade on, The Spark remains a well-used and relevant academic building—an example of how thoughtful, user-centred design can continue to deliver value long after project completion.