The latest plans to develop De Montfort University's campus have been unveiled.
The university has proposed revamping the Fletcher Tower, in Newarke Close, which houses the faculty of art, design and humanities, as part of a £90 million campus scheme to transform the site.
Features will include new atrium spaces with open galleries, large display cases to showcase three-dimensional work, digital internal and external displays of students' work and sculpture podiums and catwalks.
The area around the building, which is close to the River Soar, is also set to be developed as part of an attempt to reconnect the city centre with the waterfront through a series of linked public open spaces through the university campus. Vice-chancellor, Professor Dominic Shellard, said: "The exciting developments on our campus represent our continued focus on creating an unparalleled student experience."
Nottingham architects CPMG has been appointed to bring about the vision and the university this week released artists' impressions of how the area could look.
Plans have yet to be submitted to the local authority but are expected to be handed in before the end of the year.
Prof Shellard said: "We were seeking an architect that could understand our vision and bring it to life.
"CPMG shares the creative ethos that defines De Montfort University.
"It was therefore no surprise its bold and innovative designs for our new Fletcher complex were precisely what the university had envisioned.
"The Fletcher complex will be the centrepiece of our £90 million campus investment and will be a building and open space that will perfectly marry aesthetics with function.
"It will provide an inspiring place to work and a relaxing space to meet with friends and colleagues – everything a 21st century university should be."
CPMG previously worked with the university on the Hugh Aston Building, which was completed in 2009 to provide a new base for the university's business and law students.
A year after it opened it won the ProCon large scheme of the year award and was one of six schemes in the running for the Leicester Mercury People's Choice Award 2012.
CPMG director Nick Gregory said: "This is an exciting and demanding project and our team relishes the opportunity to create an inspirational solution for staff and students.
"With a clear focus on contemporary architecture and landscape, the university has already achieved a huge transformation with the realisation of the Hugh Aston building and we were fortunate to be involved.
"Now, to be able to help continue the university's development of its first-class facilities is a truly exciting prospect."
Work on the Fletcher Complex is scheduled to start next summer and will be completed in 2016. Students will be moved to other sites while it is carried out.
Future plans for the university include changes to teaching rooms, eating areas and the students' union, as well as creating a parkland at the heart of the campus.
