The firm has been working on the design element for several weeks and just started preliminary site works at Birley Fields, next to the Hulme Arch.
The first phase of the 12ha regeneration site will include construction of a central 200,000 sq ft academic building and an energy centre to serve future buildings and cut the carbon footprint of the university by 60%.
The University hopes to build the “greenest” campus in the UK with a zero net carbon footprint, zero net water consumption and zero off site waste disposal.
This will involve solar water heating, gas combined heat and power, photovoltaic panels and rainwater recycling.
Extensive infrastructure works, including a new bridge, are also in the contract brief.
In the second phase the University will build five student accommodation blocks at the fully landscaped campus, designed to breathe new life into Hulme.
Architect John McAslan + Partners has drawn up the strategic development framework for the scheme.