Centenary Building

The Centenary Building is an educational structure at the University of Salford featuring clean lines, glass panels, and steel framing that create a contemporary learning environment for design students. Multiple levels contain specialized studios and workshops dedicated to spatial, graphic, and industrial design disciplines.

Completed in December 1995 by architect Stephen Hodder, the structure marked a new direction in British educational architecture through its contemporary design approach. Its completion signaled a shift in how educational facilities were conceived and constructed.

The building marked a turning point in British architecture by becoming the first winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize in 1996 and shaped how educational structures were designed afterward. This award changed expectations for what university buildings could be.

The building is straightforward to navigate thanks to its clearly organized multi-level layout and accessible design features. Visitors should be aware that the campus is active and access policies should be checked before visiting.

Despite its architectural importance and RIBA Stirling Prize recognition, the building faced demolition plans less than three decades after completion. This contradiction raised questions about protecting innovative architecture.