Matthew Boulton Campus, Birmingham Metropolitan College
| Contact Details: | Clive Hill, Director of Information Systems & Facilities, chill@mbc.ac.uk |
| Type of Project: | New Build/Relocation. Existing site 1960's unfit for purpose and uneconomic to refurbish. Also delivered regeneration at both old and new sites. |
| Start/End Date: | Project conceived end 1999/early 2000. Commencement on site September 2003 (Demolition). Construction commenced January 2004, completion July 2005 and open to students September 2005. This case study was undertaken in 2006 at which point the institution was known as Matthew Boulton College. The Matthew Boulton Campus is now part of the Birmingham Metropolitan College. |
Success Factors
What Makes The Space Successful?
The space is very flexible. Side wings give a modular approach over 9 floors. There are different classroom layouts. Users have a real sense of 'ownership' of the building. It is very attractive with quality finishes and the students do feel proud of their environment and as a result are very protective of it. The new building has also had an impact on the level of interest from prospective students in the courses at the College.
What Is Innovative About The Design And The Use Of The Space?
The building itself is on a relatively small footprint in a city centre location on a sloping urban site and has made excellent use of the space available to it, with access on two separate levels. There has been a level of creativity applied with regard to the use of the limited space available and this has worked well, with some very spacious, light and airy areas inside. No two areas are the same making it an interesting environment to study in.
The building has a real emphasis on creating real world type environments for students. There is an operating theatre in the building, dental suites, printing and technology/digital areas. The fashion section has prominent shop style windows along a corridor to effectively showcase students' latest designs.
