Masterplanning Studies and options appraisal, including costed phasing analysis and preparation of ‘dry brief’

Working with Turnberry Consulting, Burrell Foley Fischer were challenged to review the University’s existing Arts & Humanities facilities (14,000sqm), currently spread across three existing buildings. A space model initiated by the University was developed to reflect a rationalised strategy for growth, reflecting a significant increase in Faculty size over a five year period. This was then converted into an area appraisal and a “Dry Brief” which formed the basis for the ongoing design brief for the project.

A development strategy was agreed following the appraisal (both in terms of cost and buildability / phasing) of a series of design options, which ranged from substantial new build solutions to more “forensic” interventions within the existing fabric. A hybrid solution optimising the best of each strategy was selected, with large, highly serviced teaching spaces primarily associated with Media Technology housed within a new build element, which is directly linked to refurbished spaces within the surrounding existing blocks.

To test the design brief against the facilities available the areas within the Dry Brief were used to assess how the accommodation could best be allocated into the existing buildings. The Solution used the new build elements as a foil to the older and less attractive refurbished (but still highly functional) blocks, creating a new “front door” for the Faculty and ensuring it was well connected to the surrounding campus. Landscaped areas between blocks created a Faculty “Green” which united the three principal locations within a unifying Campus context.

Of particular note within the proposal was the opportunity for the introduction of new roof glazing and a lightwell into the heart of a very densely planned former cinema building, to transform the quality of the teaching and learning spaces within it. A new lift integrated into an existing stair core opened up an entire floor of underutilised space as additional accommodation to off-set space lost by the light well / atrium.

Proposals formed a design brief for the university to procure a full design team through its existing framework.