Twelve Architects, who worked closely with engineers and University stakeholders to design and deliver the building, have taken the opportunity—ten years on—to reflect on what The Diamond has become and what it has meant to those who use it. In this contribution to our 10 Years of The Diamond series, they share those reflections and the voices of key people who helped shape a building that continues to define engineering education.
Engineers
are successful and impactful in their work because they are good at working in
teams. The team of architects who designed the Diamond Building and made sure it was delivered successfully, Twelve
Architects are used to working with
engineers in this context. A decade after the Diamond opened, they have taken
time to reflect on the project, and to ask key University
of Sheffield stakeholders
what the project means now. In this post Twelve Architects share these. This is
part of our 10 years of the Diamond series:
10 Years of The Diamond - 12 Architects
The Diamond: A
Decade of Transformative Engineering Education
A decade after its
completion, The Diamond at the University of Sheffield continues to
stand as a symbol of innovation in engineering education, and a career-defining
project for many of those involved in its creation. As part of our ten year
celebration, we asked members of the original client team to share their
reflections on the building.
For Professor Stephen Beck, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the
University of Sheffield, The Diamond has had a profound and measurable
impact on the Faculty and its students.
“It has allowed us to double
the size of the student cohort and helped position us as leaders in engineering
education,” he reflects. “I show visitors around and say, ‘This is the best
practical education environment in the world’ and I’ve never been contradicted.”
From the outset, the design
of The Diamond encouraged collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning,
creating spaces that inspire both staff and students. Stephen Beck describes
the experience of being part of the project as deeply rewarding: “It was great
to be part of a team where each member used their skills to deliver a
world-leading facility for engineering education. It’s certainly been a high
point of my career. Truly career defining.”
“It is a
cathedral to engineering education”
Professor Mike Hounslow, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engineering at
the University and often described as the “father of the project”, recalls how
the building has shaped the University’s academic landscape: “We’ve seen growth
in student numbers, an improvement in the student experience and a rise in
educational aspiration,” he explains. “The building encouraged student-led
activity and created a culture of openness and innovation. It’s a cathedral to
engineering education.”
Reflecting on the decade
since its opening, he adds: “Its impact has only become more positive over
time. It’s an iconic, open, and practical space that continues to define what
engineering education can be.”
“The building of
choice”
For Keith Lilley, former Director of Estates at the University, The
Diamond has always been “the building of choice”.
“The building was full from
day one,” he recalls. “It immediately became the go-to place for student study,
so popular that the growth plan was realised straight away.”
Despite challenges during
planning and construction, he describes the project as having a “lasting
legacy”. “The Diamond was hard won, with planning hurdles and construction
challenges, but it proved to be the most popular building with students. It
undoubtedly contributed to the success of the Faculty of Engineering as a whole
and remains a premium facility in UK higher education.”
Today, The Diamond
continues to feature prominently in the University’s promotional material,
celebrated as a defining space for learning and collaboration. “It’s
incredible,” he adds. “The building remains a lasting legacy, not only for the
University but for everyone who worked on it.”
A decade after its opening, The
Diamond continues to embody the ambition and collaboration that brought it
to life. Its success has paved the way for new approaches to education,
inspiring similar developments across the UK and beyond.
When citing this work, please use the following citation:
Hearne, B. (2025). “A Cathedral to Engineering Education: The Diamond Building 10 Years”. Centre for Engineering Education Blog, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK. December 2025. https://www.ceesheffield.co.uk/2025/12/a-cathedral-to-engineering-education.html