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This paper discusses decisions to be taken at three stages in the design of new mechanical engineering departments for universities and colleges of advanced technology. These decisions, which are to be taken within a framework of educational and financial policies, are concerned with the brief, the planning and the structure. Planning and structure include all the three-dimensional aspects of design. Decisions are centred on the problem of flexibility and how this relates to a number of factors including costs, service provisions, and the architectural expression. Implications of the design decisions are illustrated by reference to the evolution of the plans for the engineering complex at Brunei College, now under construction, and by other British and continental examples. In dealing with the construction of heavy laboratories notes are included on lighting, sound insulation and vibration, mechanical handling and methods of integrating services. Throughout, emphasis is placed on co-operative working between the client and the professional team, which although it is led by the architect, must include the consulting mechanical, electrical and structural engineers and the quantity surveyors.