The growth of The University of Nottingham’s campuses is showcased in a new book of stunning photographs by Nottingham-based architectural photographer Martine Hamilton Knight.
‘Aspects of a Global University’ is a pictorial narrative of the University’s development over the years. It is the second book to be commissioned by the University, the first,’ Campus Views’, was published in 2007 containing images from across Nottingham’s campuses and was also created by Martine.
Since the first book was produced six years ago, the pace of development across the University’s campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia has been remarkable, and many new buildings, gardens and spaces have since been created to support teaching and learning at the University. These have been designed to be both visually appealing and sustainable.
Showcasing development
Martine says: “There has been a huge expansion in higher education provision since I put together the first book, and if you look at The University of Nottingham’s story, this is no exception, particularly at Jubilee Campus as it was only in its first phase of development at the time of the first book. The transformation between then and now has been phenomenal and we wanted to showcase this.
“There have been multiple buildings developed at University Park too and whilst both campuses in China and Malaysia were operational in 2006, they were both still new and their associated landscapes and gardens looked very immature. Now, they have been established for nearly a decade and are part of the fabric of the communities they are in. I wanted to really portray the continued development of all three countries.”
Martine has been working with the University for over 20 years, and was given an honorary doctorate for her contribution to architectural photography last year.
Honorary degree
“When I found out that I was being given an honorary degree I was overwhelmed. It was at that point that I was asked if would put together the successor to the original book. I was given an open brief, which was fantastic for me as I’ve documented the growth for the past two decades. In my opinion, if there was any weakness in book one, it was a lack of narrative in the written sense, so this time I decided I would write stories and introductions to help tell the story of the work of various faculties and of life on campus.
“I was delighted to be asked to put together such an important book on behalf of the University. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that they enjoy using the images I create. The University’s architecture in all three countries is of an exceedingly high calibre and the wonderful staff and students made my job very easy. I’m delighted with the result and if the University are as happy as me then I’ll be really pleased.”
Professor David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor of the University said: “As with its predecessor, Campus Views, we again went to Martine Hamilton Knight to capture the spirit of the place. She has done a wonderful job. I hope this new collection will please our students, staff, alumni and friends, reminding all of the special places we have the good fortune to inhabit, enrich and enhance; places that remain conducive to creativity and learning ; places that inspire.”
‘Aspects of a Global University’ is available to buy now at The University of Nottingham’s graduation ceremonies and also online at http//store.nottingham.ac.uk at a cost of £10 soft jacket and £20 hardback.
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High resolution images by Martine Hamilton Knight are available upon request.
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Notes to editors: The University of Nottinghamhas 42,000 students at award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. It was ‘one of the first to embrace a truly international approach to higher education’, according to the Sunday Times University Guide 2013. It is also one of the most popular universities among graduate employers, one of the world’s greenest universities, and winner of the Times Higher Education Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development’. It is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 75 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong and the QS World Rankings.
More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to the most recent Research Assessment Exercise. The University aims to be recognised around the world for its signature contributions, especially in global food security, energy & sustainability, and health. The University won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its research into global food security.
Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest ever fundraising campaign, will deliver the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More news…