Left to right: Lord Foster, Spencer de Grey and Field Marshal, the Lord Vincent of Coleshill, who unveiled a plaque at the opening of the Faculty Building

"The space created here provides us with a first class, dynamic working environment and enables greatly improved communication between academic management and the support services," he told staff who had moved to the building last month.

"One of the great benefits of the building's design is the flexibility it gives us. Already, we can sense new energy and a buzz of interaction. This new building has been a team effort. It is a tremendous achievement and one in which I trust you are all very proud."

Quoting David Rosenberg, architect with Foster and partner, he added that their fourth project on the campus had provided a fantastic challenge to design an exciting and functional building at the heart of Imperial's campus in what was an unsightly car park. It also provided the chance to create a dynamic link across campus between the new College entrance and walkway and the Queen's Lawn.

"Our new 'blue cube' has certainly changed the dynamic of the campus in both a physical and aesthetic sense," he concluded. "I have no doubt that it will also help us to be dynamic in an operational sense."

Lord Foster added that the building was 'a story of sustainability', on a campus which he viewed as 'a city in microcosm.' He focused on the recyling aspects of the design, explaining that the recycled timber and plastic used for the decking which covers the outside entrance had never been used in this context before.

Staff working in the building joined those involved in the move and representatives from the project team, for a drinks reception and barbecue in the marquee on the Queen's Lawn.