Our Campus : Drawing Studio

This is AUB. A place to shape and build your work; to learn, share, provoke and collaborate.

Drawing Studio

The Drawing Studio at Arts University Bournemouth is more than a space to create; it's a celebrated artwork in its own right. Designed by world‑renowned architect, AUB alumnus and Honorary Fellow, Professor Sir Peter Cook RA, it stands as a visionary symbol of the power of creativity.

It was the first purpose‑built drawing studio to be constructed at a UK arts institution in over a century, and Sir Peter’s first completed building in the UK. It's a landmark that shapes our campus, our culture, and the artistic journeys of every student who steps inside.

This iconic blue pavilion offers a truly inspiring environment where students from every discipline can explore ideas, experiment fearlessly, and grow their creative confidence. Natural light, bold design, and a sense of openness combine to make the Drawing Studio a place where imagination feels possible.

Your support helps this extraordinary space continue to thrive

By donating, you enable us to preserve this unique architectural treasure, enhance the drawing experience for current and future students, and champion the enduring importance of drawing in the creative arts.

Together, we can ensure the Drawing Studio continues to inspire the next generation of artists, designers, and visionaries.

View our Drawing Studio 360 Support and donate

History of the Drawing Studio

The Drawing Studio was officially opened on 3 March 2016 by a special guest, the world-famous Dame Zaha Hadid, who closed her speech with, "I simply love this building."

The building was designed and completed by renowned architect, AUB alumnus and Honorary Fellow, Professor Sir Peter Cook RA and his office CRAB (Cook Robotham Architectural Bureau).

With iconic artist David Hockney as its patron, it's the first purpose-built drawing studio to be constructed at an art school for more than a century, and also Sir Peter’s first building to be built in the UK.

The building is accessible to students from all courses across the University enabling all creative artists, working in any genre, to be in the same space together, from costume designers to architects, animators to teachers.

As well as drawing classes, the building has been used for events and special exhibitions, allowing the public to view and enjoy the space.

From Sketch and Steel

Every important space starts with a sketch. Here are a few of our favourites from Sir Peter Cook and CRAB Studio.

Artist work

In the spirit of a University that privileges drawing, we issued paper and a pencil to renowned artists in the UK, inviting them to make their mark on this project and help us celebrate the opening of the Drawing Studio.

We’d like to say a big thank you to all the artists who took part.

Take a look through the gallery below to see the artwork that we received, that was auctioned as part of the opening of the Drawing Studio.

Pencil sketch of man holding an image of a man holding an image of a man holding an image.

Outline of a hand with a signature in the palm.

Pencil sketch of a women holding a child.

Pencil sketch of a women holding a child's hand as they walk through a field

Abstract prints inspired by the English coastal landscape and the sea

Construction of the Drawing Studio

Complex curved forms give buildings and bridges a unique allure. These structures of steel or other metals also make them extremely strong when a self-bearing and monocoque construction is applied.

CIG Architecture appointed by AUB is the world leader in 3D forming of all types of metal plates and profiles and offers integrated solutions to international architects and engineering companies.

Central Industry Group (CIG) is an innovation-driven, technologically advanced industrial conglomerate engaged in shipbuilding, constructional design and production for complex architectural projects and the renewable energy industry worldwide. Founded in 1972, CIG has been a trusted partner for the international shipbuilding industry.

Their expertise in 3D steel forming is unsurpassed; it enables them to provide us with steel constructional design and product tailored to our aspirations and conceptual designs.

The structure is an all-steel prefabricated semi-monocoque construction, imported from Germany and bolted onto the site slab, internally acoustically treated giving a continuous white surface.

The internal surfaces are white with a grey floor. The exterior is a simple but deliberately identifiable and curvaceous form in blue, constructed from steel.

A decade on, the Drawing Studio continues to embody the fearless creativity and innovation that defines AUB, inspiring everyone who steps inside. Sir Peter Cook’s visionary design has become a landmark of imagination on our campus; a reminder of the power of bold ideas when they become reality.

Lisa Mann, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer

Meet the architect

Find out more about Drawing Studio designer and architect, Professor Sir Peter Cook.

Elderly man with glasses and grey hair gesturing with raised hand whilst speaking at podium, wearing dark jacket.

Professor Sir Peter Cook

Professor Sir Peter Cook is an AUB alumnus, Honorary Fellow, and one of the most influential figures in contemporary architectural...

Awards

RIBA National Award 2016
RIBA South West Award 2016
RA Top 10 Maverick Building 2016
Constructing Excellence South West Building Project of the Year 2016
Constructing Excellence South West Innovation Award 2016
Schueco Excellence for Design and Innovation – Judges’ Special Award 2016
Civic Trust Awards Regional Finalist 2017
Civic Trust National Award 2017

Crowd of people gathered outside blue cylindrical building with white roof under cloudy sky, surrounded by green trees.

Support the Drawing Studio

As a celebrated creative space, we invite our ever-growing community to support the Drawing Studio, its upkeep and AUB's plans for its future.

Your donations will allow us to make improvements to the facilities, keeping the studio functional and inspirational for future generations of artists and designers. This could go towards future building projects, or workshops, exhibitions and professional artist visits. Your support also enables us to enhance the studio's sustainability efforts.

Thank you for your help in safeguarding this unique space.

Make a donation