The Coventry Observer has reported that Coventry University has named its new flagship Faculty of Arts and Humanities building after one of the city’s musical icons, Delia Derbyshire.
Delia was born in Coventry in 1937 and was best known for her ground-breaking work with the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop and her realisation of the famous Doctor Who theme music.
She was awarded a posthumous honorary doctorate by the university in 2017.
The Delia Derbyshire building combines the former Graham Sutherland and Maurice Foss buildings, which are both being refurbished, along with a new extension featuring cutting-edge equipment.
The new building will be opening in phases and will be fully open next year.
It will feature a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects and studios with the latest virtual reality and mixed reality technology.
A gallery space, cafe space and events atrium will be available for students, staff and visiting artists to showcase their work.
David Butler, trustee of the music charity Delia Derbyshire Day said: “Delia Derbyshire changed the way listeners and viewers in Britain and beyond think about sound and the sonic possibilities in the world around us.
“Delia was inspired by the soundscapes she experienced in her home city of Coventry, finding beauty in every day, transforming the familiar into something extraordinary, whether that was a knock on the door, a metal lampshade or her own voice.
“The new Delia Derbyshire building in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Coventry University will continue Delia’s example, inspiring future generations of practitioners and audiences to further their creative spirit.”
The Society erected a plaque at Delia Derbyshire’s birthplace in Cedar’s Avenue in 2018.