Digital Life Building
The Digital Life building at Teesside University is a new learning facility for the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies. Within the building is a multi-functional 750-seat lecture theatre which includes retractable seating units, designed by OPS, to achieve the desired flexibility of the space.
The tiered seating comprises of 3 steel units, each containing 22 rows. These units retract into a recess beneath a high-level walkway to achieve an open space. The system is significantly taller than typical retractable seating systems. Meeting dynamic requirements was therefore a challenge, which OPS achieved without the costly and impractical step of a physical connection with the primary structure.
Client: Audience Systems
Location: Teesside University, UK
Structural Engineer: OPS Structures Ltd
Contractor: Audience Systems
Completed: 2025
