The Forum was designed by Sir Michael Hopkins. He has designed a number of other award-winning buildings including Norwich Cathedral Refectory (2004).

 

Sir Michael designed The Forum to fit in to its surroundings. The horseshoe shape is a response to the site's irregular geometry and the enclosure at the back fits comfortably into the smaller scale of buildings on Little Bethel Street. To the West, the open glazed end embraces the marvellous Gothic church tower of St Peter Mancroft.

 

The three-storey horseshoe form of the building accommodates different activities on a series of balconies around a dynamic central public atrium. It is conceived as a covered courtyard which lets light into the heart of the building. The spectacular glazed end wall, 15 metres high, opens on to the forecourt and St Peter Mancroft to welcome the city in.

 

In addition to considering the building design, thought was also given to making it comfortable to use. For example, acoustically absorbent materials are incorporated into the roof panels, wall linings and bookshelves of the Library, thus ensuring minimal noise intrusion for the purpose-built perimeter study areas.  Other features include the towers at each end of the horseshoe shape which are used to ventilate the car park.