Leigh UTC

CLIENT: The Leigh UTC
TOTAL PROJECT VALUE: £10m (FF&E element £1.2m)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A new University Technology College (UTC), furnished and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support their STEAM specialism for students aged 14-18.

THE RAD SCOPE & BRIEF:

To deliver a school that did not look like a school, to enable the delivery of a robust curriculum through inspired design. To challenge the UTC’s thinking beyond their knowledge and expectations. We designed the interiors, specified the products, managed the budget and then procured and installed them.

OUR SOLUTION:

We created a stunning technology centre for working in a variety of materials including metal, wood and plastics. The main workshop consisted of structured materials working areas and a flexible floor space for various projects to be undertaken. Our design allowed students to ‘own’ the flexible space for a week, month, or term when delivering their projects, which ranged from robotics to Formula 1 racing. There were adjacent spaces offering a range of learning resources and group sizes. The solution enabled independent and resourceful learners to work at their own level across ages and abilities.

HOW WE MADE A DIFFERENCE:

• Helped develop the technology curriculum potential beyond the College’s expectations, creating a centre of excellence in the STEAM specialism.
• Brought our knowledge of equipment, safe working zones and supply chain expertise to create the maximum space utilisation with the best solution for the budget.
• Delivered workable ideas on space zoning that enabled the college to exceed all expectations.
• Created an environment similar to the workplace to allow students to be trained as the employees of the future with employable experience.
• Created a suite of spaces that took students from concept design through to prototyping and final solutions.
• Created a project zone adjacent to the exterior to support student work.