Tribute to architect behind iconic Engineering Building

The architect James Gowan, who co-designed the University of Leicester’s Engineering Building, has died aged 92.

He formed a partnership with James Stirling in the 1950s the results of which included our Engineering Building, completed in 1963. The landmark Grade II* Listed building is among the most famous examples of the architects’ mould-breaking works and recognised nationally as one of the most important and iconic buildings of the 20th century.

The Stirling-Gowan partnership ended soon after the Engineering Building was completed and James Gowan moved on to work on his own projects.

The University is currently investing to extend the building’s functionality and iconic status for another 50 years.

Trevor Humphreys, Director of Estates and Facilities, said:  "The University was saddened to learn of the death of James Gowan. Working with Sir James Stirling, Gowan designed the University's iconic and internationally renowned Engineering building on our main academic campus.  The vision for the design of this building resulted in a truly inspiration modernist building for which the University is suitably proud."