Photos: James Mulkeen
Porter Brick, 2020
The Porter Brook is a river in Sheffield, descending over 1,000 feet from its source on Burbage Moor. Its name derives from the river’s brown hue, caused by flowing over iron-ore deposits. Like other Sheffield rivers, it was ideally suited to water power and played a central role in the city’s industrial development.
By 1740, Sheffield was the largest user of water power in Britain. In the Porter Valley alone, 21 mill dams powered 19 waterwheels used for grinding corn, operating forge hammers, rolling mills, and sharpening blades—industries that shaped the city’s identity.
The design draws inspiration from the Porter Brook and aligns with Sheffield City Council’s master plan to create a continuous riverside route from the station to Hunters Bar. Although the river runs underground behind the site, the work acts as a reminder of its presence, guiding movement through the undercroft and connecting Ecclesall Road to the student entrance.
Brick corbelling suggests the flow of water, extending into soffit features and bronze-cast bricks inscribed with the names of former mills and dams. Integrated lighting animates the vertical elements after dark.
Developed in collaboration with Axis Architecture (Sheffield)
Materials - Brick, Aluminium Soffit and Cast Bronze