The Arts Tower currently stands as the tallest building in Sheffield. It's a miesian tower in plan and though simple in form and facade, manages to exude a certain air of self-assurance and gentle beauty; much like the unassuming Yorkshire town in which it sits. Designed in 1961 by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners, it housed all of the university's Arts departments at one point until overpopulation forced a couple of groups like the Historians and the Social Scientists to search for new nests.
The Architecture department stayed put and occupies about a quarter of the building – specifically Floors 14 to 18. There's a small architecture cafe on 19 which sells snacks, coffee and hot chocolate for 50 pence and is a well-loved haunt for staff and students alike.
The open plan studios receive bounteous amounts of daylight through the full-height glazing which marches around the perimeter. This atmosphere, accompanied by the panoramic views of Sheffield's undulating topography and specks of far-off, open farmland, make for a terribly delightful working space. Very uplifting and condusive in my opinion.
The most memorable feature of the building is a remarkable piece of engineering called the Paternoster lift; or more affectionately known as, the Pat. It runs non-stop throughout the day and doesn't have any doors. You hop on and off just like a ski-lift and people-watch as you get to where you want to go; a far more stimulating experience compared to being entombed in a typical elevator car. Access between the different floors in the department is a breeze, and initially (at the risk of sounding like a starry-eyed kid), a hell lot of fun!
Forty years after its completion, the tower is slated for a major refurbishment, which, given the current economic climate, will likely become a protracted affair. I count myself lucky to be among the last batch of students to occupy the tower in its original state and I honestly hope the architects on the job treat this friendly giant with all the reverance and respect it deserves.
