University of Bolton, Design Studio Project
| Contact Details: | Mike Lomas, Head of Collaborative Partnerships and Employer Engagement, M.lomas@bolton.ac.uk Andy Smith, Business Development Manager, Design Studio, A.Smith@bolton.ac.uk |
| Type of Project: |
The Project has aspects of both a new build and a refurbishment. The building was originally 8 storeys and the top five floors were removed. The remaining three floors were reconfigured and made into the Design Studio - the inside is now completely different to how it looked originally. This was done as it made economical sense - it was cheaper to reduce and renovate the original building than to knock it down and re-build. |
| Start/End Date: | It has been open since summer 2003 and the project took 18 months to complete. |
Post Occupancy: Changes Made As A Result Of Feedback
HEFCE requires best practice evaluation of new builds - to monitor how well the poor estates money has been spent, what students and staff think about the space and how it's met targets. A small group has been convened to work on this evaluation and feedback exercise. It is hoped to produce a pro-forma to guide the process. The Client Group (made up of tutors and course leaders from the departments using the space) is about to be re-convened and user perceptions of the space will be discussed there - their feedback on how the building is working. Students will be involved in the overall evaluation exercise and there will also be community input. The Client Group has generally been involved in the snagging process at the completion of the building. Also, prior to and during the build the Client Group drew up the specifications, identifying what was required in all the areas in terms of kit, furniture, etc.
Feedback so far has generally been very good.
