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. |
Technology
The software is industry-led. Most machines are PCs although two labs are Macs - these are loaded with latest Graphics and Animation software. The PCs are loaded with different CAD packages and packages linked to product design and engineering and architectural packages for architectural technologists/construction students. The machines are intended for use on design based activities rather than internet surfing type activity. There are other parts of the campus where internet activity is generally more encouraged. Students are given information on the specialist packages and where they can be accessed as part of their induction process. They will also be used to working on the packages as a result of being introduced to/using them in more formal sessions with a lecturer.
A computer management system has been purchased and is about to be implemented. Activities are a mix of formal classes, informal classes and drop-in work so it is important that machines are made accessible to students as and when they are available. The management system will monitor the use of every machine. Students will need to log on and log off either as a group or as individuals. This is done elsewhere on campus in the Learning Support Unit. There are screens in the Learning Support Unit that can flag up machines that are available. In time the computer management system will allow the student to build up preferences. Students from other disciplines do drop in to the building because it's such a nice space - however, the use of the computer management system will help ensure that students who require the specialist software are given priority access to the machines.
Adding Value
Much of the activity in the space is based around technology assisted design so the technology adds value throughout. It's all about realising the designs using the software packages available. This is done alongside some story boarding, concept development and sketching.
On the first floor the large open area with PCs has also got three or four areas with break out tables where students can get together and talk things through. It was originally part of the library so the space has floor to ceiling glass (two storeys high) and is very light and airy - but this can cause problems with the subsequent light contamination (sunlight and glare) - screens have had to be installed. Artificial lighting in this area comprises down lights in the ceiling and directional lighting in work areas. Students may initially conceptualise on paper but they tend to get on the machines very quickly and start putting their designs down electronically. In some cases, for example Graphics, the whole course is based around the use of technology so it is essential that students become quickly adept at using it.
Basically without technology the whole thing would collapse - it's vital! New artificial lighting was installed throughout the building - the building was a shell after the initial demolition and re-building. So the interior had to be re-designed and re-configured from scratch. The outer windows largely stayed the same, with a small number of exceptions but generally it was a case of new lighting, heating, etc.
The large open area can be linked into three different networks so there could be a workshop activity and two other areas having open access activity all simultaneously.
