University of York

:This article is about the British university. For the Canadian university, see York University.

The Heslington campus

In 1964, work began on the campus facilities in the grounds of Heslington Hall. The marshy land was drained, forming the narrow, winding lake which dominates the campus, and extensively landscaped. The original buildings were designed by architect Andrew Derbyshire, and assembled using the CLASP system of prefabricated construction. Scattered around the lake, the buildings are connected by numerous covered walkways and bridges. Most of the university's arts departments inhabit the colleges, while many of the science departments have their own buildings.

Related Topics:
1964 - Architect - Andrew Derbyshire - CLASP - Prefabricated

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A major landmark building is Central Hall, a daringly-designed half-octagonal concert hall whose appearance is frequently likened to that of a spaceship. As well as University convocations and examinations, it is used as a venue for theatrical and musical performances, and has played host to Jimi Hendrix, Soft Machine, Pink Floyd, and Paul McCartney. Performances by big-name acts have been rarer at the university following a 1985 Boomtown Rats concert, during which the cover of the Central Hall orchestra pit was damaged1. A ban on pop performances in Central Hall was imposed by the University, although it has occasionally been waived, and Central Hall is still sometimes used for classical concerts. Concerts are also held in the music department's Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall and in some of the colleges.

Related Topics:
Jimi Hendrix - Soft Machine - Pink Floyd - Paul McCartney - 1985 - Boomtown Rats - Orchestra pit - Sir Jack Lyons

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At the time of its construction, the campus lake is rumoured to have been the largest plastic-lined lake in Europe. It has attracted a large population of wild and feral waterfowl, including greylag, Canada, barnacle and snow geese, along with large numbers of ducks and a growing population of black swans.

Related Topics:
Feral - Waterfowl - Greylag - Canada - Barnacle - Snow geese - Duck - Swan

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