The space includes a high occupancy lecture space used for presentations, events and collaborative working. The project is technically challenging due to existing constraints of the building, servicing strategy required for new specialsit functions, whilst maintaining live operation of adjacent areas of the building.

‍

The lower ground floor accommodates the ‘World Café’. While this space is designed to facilitate presentations to large student groups, its everyday use is a multipurpose space for students, teachers, and visitors to eat, socialise and study. The space is divided into zones which provide different atmospheres for seating and social interaction. At the centre of the room is an amphitheatre seating feature. The garden room to the west (previously the plant room) opens out to an outdoor seating area with a view and connection a woodland area. Passive supervision is provided via two new office areas to the south, with glazed screens looking out into the World Cafe. The cafe servery itself is to the east of the building with a new purpose building catering facility. Food and drink will be served via a hatch with a counter, which can be closed with shutters when not in use.

‍

etch Associates have been responsible for the following key design aspects of the project.

‍

* Strip out and isolation of services to existing areas of the building whilst maintaining live operation of building.

* New services provision to allow the creation of café servery for catering equipment – ventilation, power and  associated new plant areas.

* New heating strategy in the form of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP’s).

* Ventilation provision suitable for high occupancy periods of up to 200 students.

* AV and specialist IT provision to allow for Auditorium functions including presentations and events.

* New fire and security systems.  

* Specialist lighting design which addresses the different functions and usage within the space.