Design Philosophy
The West Hub has been thoughtfully designed as a space that brings people together, blending functionality with a welcoming, modern aesthetic. Its design philosophy is rooted in openness, inclusivity, and adaptability, ensuring the building serves a wide range of needs for the University community and the wider public.
Central to the design is flexibility. Spaces can be reconfigured to host teaching, research, events, and social activity side by side, reflecting the Hub’s commitment to collaboration and shared experience. The use of transparent materials and open-plan layouts encourages visibility and connection, breaking down traditional barriers between disciplines and between the University and the local community.
Above all, the design prioritises people. Comfortable seating, vibrant communal areas, and accessible pathways create a sense of belonging for every visitor. Whether someone comes to study, collaborate, or relax, the West Hub’s design philosophy ensures they feel welcome, supported, and inspired. It is a space built for interaction, innovation, and the future of shared learning.
The West Hub stands as a central landmark within the Cambridge West Innovation District, a hub for collaboration, co-working, and community. It embodies a new approach to shared University spaces, designed to bring together departments, research initiatives, industry partners, local businesses, and residents in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
As a key part of the District’s transformation into a more outward-facing and accessible campus, the West Hub supports knowledge exchange and enterprise. It offers flexible working environments and teaching space, including facilities for the University’s landmark Foundation Year programme, which welcomed its first students in October 2022.
The building is purposefully designed to encourage openness and flow. Two main entrances form a natural pedestrian route through the Hub, inviting the local community to pass through and engage with its facilities. Inside, every space has been considered to support both digital and in-person working, from creating a pitch or poster, to focused study using the library’s resources.
The ground-floor café and bar open directly onto landscaped gardens and green space, with rain gardens, recreational seating, and access to an east–west cycle and walking path. On the upper levels, the Hub houses a library service, Media Lab, multipurpose teaching spaces, and learning resource zones, with a range of workspaces, from open-plan areas to quiet study pods.
Spaces within the Hub are available beyond core teaching hours and are frequently used by local organisations, researchers, and creatives for workshops, exhibitions, networking events, and more, bringing people together to share ideas, celebrate innovation, and build community.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been embedded into every aspect of the West Hub’s design and operations, from the way the building is used, to how people move through and around it.
Encouraging active and sustainable travel, the Hub is positioned along a dedicated pedestrian and cycle route, with entrances designed to promote natural footfall through the building. With no dedicated on-site parking, visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport wherever possible.
Throughout the building, water refill stations are available to help reduce single-use plastic waste. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bottles, and reusable products are also available from the Information Desk.
The West Hub reflects a new way of working that’s not only collaborative and inclusive, but environmentally conscious, helping to shape a more sustainable campus for the future.
Accessibility
The West Hub is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all. Every floor is fully wheelchair accessible via two lifts, with accessible bathrooms located at both ends of each floor. All bathrooms, showers and changing facilities are gender neutral, and the building includes a state-of-the-art Changing Places facility, baby changing stations on every floor, and accessible showers and lockers on the ground floor.
While the building does not offer dedicated parking, two accessible parking bays are available on a first-come, first-served basis on JJ Thomson Avenue.
To support visitors with hearing impairments, all multifunction rooms are equipped with assistive listening systems.
Throughout the building, a variety of flexible and comfortable furniture options are available to suit different working styles and access needs.
Click here for a detailed guide from AccessAble
