Original features

The University of East London's Docklands Campus, the first new university campus to be built in London for more than 50 years, was opened in 2000 by Ken Livingstone on his first day as Mayor of London and was shortlisted for Building of the Year in 2001. Designed by Edward Cullinan Architects, it includes a row of halls of residence that resemble the funnels of ocean liners.

Subsequent buildings extended the campus facilities by making use of the skills available within the university. The School of Architecture and the Visual Arts was designed by Steve Rich, one of the architecture tutors. The Children's Garden (nursery) was created by architecture staff and students from recycled prefabricated units.

Last year saw the opening of the Library and Knowledge Dock Centre, housing the Business School and School of Computing and Technology, on the Royal Albert Dock. The roofs were fitted with solar photovoltaic panels this March, as part of the Government's Low Carbon Buildings Programme.

This is part of a series exploring celebrated and lesser-known architectural treasures within British higher education. Suggestions most welcome: matthew.reisz@tsleducation.com