| Contact Details: | Liz Fisher lizf@trurocollege.ac.uk |
Type of Project: |
This was a new build extending the main site. There were two motives for the project: Fal building: A new HE building for the main site campus. The College had developed HE over several years integrated within Programme Areas across the campus but having reached 700 full time HE students it was important to create a new discrete HE facility. Lynher building: A new FE building to accommodate the increase in the number of FE students (3700 full time FE students). The new building accommodates the Sports Programme Area and the Health & Community Studies Programme Area. |
| Start/End Date: | May 2005 - 0ct 2006. |
Lessons Learned
It is all down to lack of communication - the architects have never asked for, nor have we been allowed, any input into the design. Because we had no input in either building there are problems for us with both. In Fal we have four doors, two would have been enough. In Lynher there is an office off the LRC which is used by the secretary for one of the curriculum teams which means that security is compromised by the number of people tramping in during the holidays.
Cabling, etc has not gone without a hiccup. The initial wiring work by the electricians had to be re-done to ensure that power was discreetly available to each computer. Once the electricians understood what was needed they delivered what was required. This meant a delay of three or four days. It also meant that as the electricians had cut holes in the carpet tiles in the wrong places then the tiles had to be replaced. This re-emphasises the need to be there and be involved in the process throughout - or have someone else who knows exactly what is expected at the end of the day to ensure that everything is okay.
One of the most aggravating things for LRC staff - and this has happened throughout - is that light switches appear 3 or 4 feet along a wall - this has a knock-on effect for shelving. In order to maximise on wall space the light switches must be adjacent to the door frame and the electric cables should be in line and sockets for cleaners, security gates etc. should be directly underneath.
Also placing of fire extinguishers etc - sometimes they are appointed in such a way as to waste space that could potentially be used for other purposes - including shelving. It would be better if they were appointed next to doors, counters or staff desks and not part way along a blank wall! This demonstrates the importance of seeing all the plans, including the electrical plan, so that these points can be picked up. In one instance, light switches had been placed 3 feet along a wall and the repositioning caused a six week delay in getting shelving installed on one wall.
The Lyner building is basically a metal cage and this has proved a problem for the security gate.
