cube_design was appointed in 2009 to develop the overall masterplan of the Newton Park Campus. The rationalisation of the Campus includes new student accommodation, academic facilities and associated social spaces. The historic nature of the site has meant negotiation and liaison with English Heritage, Natural England, Duchy of Cornwall, Bath Preservation Group among others to ensure the successful development of the campus. The masterplan addresses the key site issues and sets a framework for development on the Campus for a period of 20 years, taking into account the sensitivites and historic nature of the site. The Masterplan was approved as part of an outline planning application in October 2011. cube_design was then novated to the Contractor for the construction of the Masterplan's Phase 1 Academic Building. The project, known as 'Commons', includes a state of the art facility for digital arts, accommodating high-tech, specialist facilities, teaching spaces, conference spaces and staff facilities. The building is very sensitively designed to respond to the landscape and the overall setting of the registered parkland and listed building. The centrepiece is a glazed atrium, which allows views and vistas towards the landscape.