[5][8][9] The architecture designed by FaulknerBrowns establishes itself entirely opposed to that of Daniel Libeskind, who in 2017, realized the Astronomy department’s Research Center with an angular and asymmetric pavilion that hides fluid spaces inside.

Instead, at the Learning Centre, a composition was chosen to communicate — even from the outside — the organization of spaces and internal halls, which are easily traced by the sweeping windows.The entrance plaza on the east side is joined to the main Lower Mountjoy site via a pedestrian crossing on South Road.

This gives the impression of a building fighting its own symmetry, described by Hugh Pearman as "a bit like the insect alien in Men in Black, scarcely able to remain within the forcibly-obtained human skin he has occupied".

The series of zinc standing seam asymmetric pyramidal forms are rotated to echo the ad hoc evolution of the mediaeval rooftops of the city, and this connection is highly successful.

"[20] The judges for the 2021 Civic Trust Awards, where the Teaching and Learning Centre was "Highly Commended", agreed, saying that: "Close collaboration with Durham County Council planners helped deliver a successful massing strategy.

And also: "The dynamic roof profile not only delivers complexity and interest in the external form, it also creates a series of dramatic top-lit ceiling coffers to the upper-level open learning commons - a modern interpretation of the traditional reading room.

[22] The centre includes two large tiered lecture theatres, with capacities of 500 and 250 people, as well as a number of smaller flat rooms that can be arranged in multiple layouts.

[24] On the ground floor, students and visitors can enjoy the café (named "Zing Kitchen"), offering a variety of hot beverages, snacks, and paninis.

[26] DCAD is responsible for lecturer, researcher and student development, with divisions including an education lab, a digital learning team and Durham's foundation programmes.