Internal construction work is now underway to transform part of York University’s Piazza Building into a vibrant new home for the York School of Architecture (YSA), ahead of its official opening in September.

The redevelopment, designed by Whittam Cox Architects, marks the first major step in bringing the school’s vision to life, creating an inspiring and flexible environment designed to support architectural education, creativity, and collaboration.

The transformed space will feature open-plan design studios, specialist teaching areas, a model-making studio, BIM suite, and social and exhibition spaces which reflect the school’s commitment to sustainability, community, and innovation.

Professor Lorraine Farrelly, founding head of York School of Architecture, said: “We are looking forward to our first undergraduates joining us in September.

“We will be welcoming them into our new studio and specialist teaching spaces, which are just being completed.”

The school has already welcomed its first cohort of PhD students, marking an important milestone in establishing a strong foundation in research-led architectural education.

And, in September, they will be joined by the very first undergraduate students enrolling on the new BA (Hons) Architecture programme.

The transformation of the Piazza Building reflects the university’s commitment to sustainable growth and reimagining existing spaces to support new ways of learning.