New College Durham
| Contact Details: | John Widdowson, Principal & Chief Executive, john.widdowson@newdur.ac.uk Lynn Bertram, Executive Support Manager, lynn.bertram@newdur.ac.uk Alan Race, Assistant Director IT and Purchasing, alan.race@newdur.ac.uk |
| Type of Project: | New Build on existing site. |
| Start/End Date: | Started work on site January 2003 with a year's design work previously. Build completed September 2005 |
Lessons Learned
The College initially considered a proposal that was part refurbishment and part new build which added to the time. After evaluating all options, a total new build was decided.
It is difficult for academic staff to create a vision when they are fully engaged in day to day activity. They incline to do what they already do in better surroundings. The opportunity to challenge what is taught and how could be missed. In the early planning stages of the project, New College Durham ended up with a 'Christmas List; that added substantially to their existing footprint whereas the final design reduced it by 25%. Although the involvement of staff at all levels is essential, and teaching staff, the College needs an overall vision into which these separate units can integrate.
People have difficulty understanding plans and they can't visualise what the build will look like. They find it very hard to think in 3D and plan things like services in real work environments.
