University of Plymouth, Formation Zone and Formation2.0 (as part of Enterprise Solutions)
Contact Details: |
Sally Sharpe, Project Manger, Economic Challenge Investment Fund |
Type of Project: |
Formation Zone (Arts) is based in iconic buildings like the £36 million Roland Levinsky Building; Formation2.0 (STEM) is based in the LINK Building |
Start/End Date: |
Formation Zone is part of the new-build Roland Levinsky Building completed in 2007. Formation 2.0 is part of the refurbished LINK Building completed in 2009. |
What makes the space successful?
The open-plan nature of the spaces, together with a series of social and business meetings, promote networking between the clients. They are encouraged to work together, use each other's services and jointly bid for funding.
The social space is colourful with flexible furniture (donated by Futons247 of Plymouth)
The spaces look very professional and business-like and are an integral part of the refurbished and new buildings within the University of Plymouth's City Centre campus. The location provides an excellent postal address for the businesses working within it and this can be of benefit when building up a new client base as it can help support the professional image.
The clients are directly supported by enthusiastic and knowledgeable centre staff and, as the Formation Zone and Formation 2.0 are part of Enterprise Solutions, the clients have access to an expansive network of support and facilities.
What principles were behind the design?
It is important to the University that the centres are welcoming and so encourage people to discuss their ideas with the staff. However, for Business Angels, mentors and advisers to become involved it is crucial that the spaces look and feel professional.
The University's Strategy includes that of 'Enabling Enterprise' by ' Building a confident enterprise culture secured through collaboration and partnership ... where diversity, creativity and innovation are enabled, realised, valued and rewarded. Our enterprise culture is one of entrepreneurship and creativity, where new ideas are tested and bravery and risk-taking encouraged.'
What is innovative about the design? And use of the building?
Plymouth has been named as the UK's top university in environmental performance in the People and Planet Green League table 2010. The Roland Levinsky Building has been accredited with a 'Very Good' BREEAM rating.
The Roland Levinsky Building is also central to the University of Plymouth's engagement with the community. It acts as the main reception for the university, has a vibrant open-access careers gateway and is host to a huge number of public events, exhibitions, cinema screenings, theatre productions and conferences throughout the year.
The Link Building 3rd floor open-plan area is a dedicated business networking space where businesses, support agencies and other stakeholders are encouraged to meet and network.
