The 900 pupil building opened in September 2006 and has been praised for its innovative design and environmentally friendly systems, including the use of natural daylight and ventilation in places that would normally rely on electricity - finishing as joint overall winners with Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham.
The Learning and Skills Council gave the awards in association with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) this month. Entries were judged on their innovation, sustainability, adaptability and ‘feel good factor'. Usworth Sixth Form Centre was singled out for its bold design and its focus on sustainability.
John Anderson, Head of Usworth Sixth Form, said: "I think our unique building and surroundings have a positive effect on all our students and staff.
"There are three distinct areas to accommodate student life: classrooms for formal learning, our Learning Resource Centre for individual guided learning, to the Atrium at the heart of building for socialising - everything from a quiet place to study, to a great common room for mixing with friends."
Usworth Sixth Form Centre has a full-length glass roof light along the centre of the building. This maximises the amount of natural light that enters the communal spaces, as well as giving the building its characteristic feel of space.
The centre was designed by Dewjo'c Architects in Newcastle. Completed six weeks earlier then anticipated, the building received public funding from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) - who aim to improve skills and qualifications for young people and adults in England.
Dewjo'c Director, Steve Agar, said: "The building looks fantastic as well as being environmentally friendly. It's rewarding to know it benefits people of all ages in the local community."
The awards ceremony took place at the RIBA & LSC Innovation by Design Conference. The event provided those leading capital projects with the opportunity to consider how the current investment will ensure high quality colleges for the future.
