The Spark at Southampton Solent University has won the ‘The Building Resilience: buildings that have stood the test of time’ Award at the Education Estates Awards 2026.

Completed in 2016 as part of the university’s £100 million campus transformation programme, The Spark was designed to bring teaching, learning, social interaction and events together in one shared academic environment. Ten years on, the building continues to support the evolving needs of students, staff and the wider community.

Our recent post-occupancy evaluation (POE) explored how The Spark performs a decade after opening, highlighting the value of designing for adaptability and long-term use. Flexible layouts, movable furniture and technology-enabled spaces have enabled the building to accommodate changing teaching methods and increased demand, with minimal physical alteration.

Beyond its academic role, The Spark has become a focal point for campus life, hosting academic, cultural and public events that strengthen connections between the university and the wider city.

For us, this award recognises an important principle: successful architecture is measured not only by how a building looks or performs when it opens, but by how well it continues to serve people over time. By understanding how spaces are used and adapting to changing needs, we can create buildings that remain relevant, valuable and welcoming for years to come.

We would like to thank Southampton Solent University and everyone involved in the project for their collaboration in creating a building that continues to make a difference.

Read our post-occupancy evaluation of The Spark to discover what ten years of use can teach us about designing for the future.