University of Leeds Multi-storey Car Park

As part of a £520-million investment to transform its campus into a model of world-class education, the University of Leeds constructed a nine-storey parking building disguised into a parametric harmony of perforated aluminum sheets.

Designed by UK-based studio CJCT Architects, the facility houses 607 parking spaces for heightened safety and parking quality for the university staff, students, and visitors. An eye-catching façade of repeatedly rotated aluminum cladding panels wrapped the entire building. The 3D relief of each aluminum panel was made possible through two high points and two low points on each opposite corner, which is then joined by a central node. At night, these panels create a vibrant façade of illuminated geometries.

Although its construction cost the removal of around 50 trees, the project compensated by replacing these lost trees and aiming for a Net Positive Impact on biodiversity. This goal is then manifested by enforcing a passively designed facility that can optimize natural lighting – interpreted through its dynamic façade. When combined with renewable energy resources and a green wall standing on its lower floors, these result in a truly environmentally-responsive building.

Due to its instinct exteriors, this high-profile project can be easily spotted from the city center and its major inner road network. To blend into the landscape, its surrounding yards showcase native hedgerows and an array of pollinating plants.

Through a dramatic interpretation, synthesis with the immediate environment, and a bright vision of the future, this multi-storey university car park building proved that what is conventionally considered an auxiliary building can turn into a high-quality public realm.