The University of Glasgow’s new, world-leading James McCune Smith Learning Hub (JMSLH) has opened its doors to students for the first time this week.

The £90 million state-of-the-art learning and teaching facility is located at the heart of University’s existing Gilmorehill campus, in the West End of the city.

Designed by HLM Architects, the JMSLH will provide state-of-the-art learning facilities, and further enhance Glasgow’s reputation as a welcoming, accessible and world-renowned destination for learning.

When fully operational it will provide hi-tech learning facilities for over 2,500 students, including a range of technology-enhanced learning spaces for group and individual study.

The James McCune Smith Learning Hub is named after the prominent civil rights activist and first African American to be awarded a medical degree, awarded by the University of Glasgow in 1837.

Initially it will open with full COVID restrictions in place, including 2 metre physical distancing, enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures and strict cap on numbers. It will provide additional individual study space on-campus only for students who do not have access to appropriate facility to study from home.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow said: “Although not how we’d anticipated opening the building, I am delighted that the James McCune Smith Learning Hub is now accessible to provide high quality learning facilities to support those students who do not have suitable spaces at home.

“This is a world-leading learning and teaching facility which will further enhance our offering for students at Glasgow, putting technology, connectivity and accessibility at the heart of the learning experience.

“Named after the pioneering James McCune Smith, the first African American to be awarded a medical degree and an alumnus of the University, it will ensure future generations of students from a broad range of backgrounds are able to benefit from a University education at Glasgow.”

Andy Nicoll, Project Architect at HLM Architects, which designed the building, said: “Located at the heart of the campus, the new James McCune Smith Learning Hub has been designed to deliver an exceptional student experience within a dynamic learning environment.

“With a variety of interactive teaching and active learning spaces it will support a motivated, vibrant, and diverse community of learners and academics to evolve efficient and effective learning methodologies through both group and individual study. We are delighted to have worked with the University in the development of this project and look forward to seeing it coming alive as it welcomes more students and faculty over coming weeks and months.”

Please note that due to COVID restrictions, we are not able to offer press or public access to the building at this time.

Pictures and video are available via the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u18r7q19y33prnn/AADDDFRR1ZAoSt9jjCx9Ef-ra?dl=0

First published: 28 April 2021

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