Renold Building

Renold Building is an educational structure in Manchester comprising a two-story base topped by a six-story concrete tower with a prominent glass-sided staircase tower at its center. Inside, the building houses multiple lecture halls of varying capacities: one 500-seat theater, two 300-seat theaters, and five 140-seat theaters.

Completed in 1962, this was the first building in the United Kingdom designed specifically for lecture theaters and seminar rooms. Its pioneering role set new standards for educational building design across Britain.

The entrance hall features a large mural called Metamorphosis by Victor Pasmore that brings art into the heart of the learning space. This artwork shapes how people experience the building and reflects how creative expression can coexist with functional design.

The central glass staircase tower makes it easy to navigate and find your way between different levels as you move through the building. Taking time to explore different areas helps you appreciate the architectural details and how the spaces are arranged.

The east facade features faceted shapes deliberately designed to meet the acoustic requirements of the small lecture theaters inside. This thoughtful design shows how the outer form directly influences the inner function and sound experience.