GSSArchitecture were appointed as Architects and Lead Consultant to deliver Newcastle University’s new teaching and learning facility, the Dame Margaret Barbour Building. The building forms an important addition to the University’s Campus, and houses a range of cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities in support of various academic programmes. Seminar rooms and lecture theatres are available for use by the wider University, whilst the open access building also includes specialist spaces for the Schools of Sport, Exercise and Nutritional Sciences and the School of Psychology and the School of Medical Education. The new facilities were driven by an increasing number of students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and the appeal of an increasingly diverse undergraduate provision. The innovative building provides functional and flexible facilities, and has been designed to facilitate integrated research by promoting collaboration between disciplines through shared encounter spaces and the provision of social breakout areas. Research shows that this approach to design supports the development of cross-disciplinary research and teaching, integrating both the physical and psychological aspects of exercise in relation to health and performance.