The paper will explore how the UCL Student Centre, opened in 2019, responds to the emphasis on 'research-based education' in the UCL Education Strategy. It discusses the high levels of engagement at different levels, which characterised the design of the building, and how services and spaces were designed around student needs. The paper will aim to provide insights on both successful characteristics and lessons learned from the construction and first year of operation of the Student Centre, to benefit library staff and designers in planning, designing and operating research library spaces. The article will also consider how the building provides a showcase for the talent and creativity of the diverse staff and student community of the university. The building has elicited a strong emotional response from students, creating a stronger sense of belonging to the UCL community and encouraging students' pro-active approach to learning.