Keywords
Post occupancy evaluation; user experience; vision statement
Description
In a bold and unprecedented move by the University, a new building, housing Library and Learning Services, Student Services and Careers was agreed by the University’s Board of Governors at their November 2016 meeting. At an initial cost of £26m it represents the largest single investment in a new building project by the University. This was a project to create an inspiring building and ‘provide an intellectually stimulating, creative and inclusive environment for [the university’s] community’. Whilst being highly student-focused, it was designed as a facility for the entire Edge Hill community including researchers, staff, alumni, and external visitors.
Its proposed location at a central point of arrival on campus, would make a statement not only about the importance of the student experience, but also act as a reference point to the institution’s heritage of female empowerment with a ‘suffragette garden’ and spaces designed for outdoor public speaking and performances.
The decision to co-locate Services was seen as a progressive and sustainable initiative, creating efficiencies of space and resources, and enabling the delivery of a converged front-line service with 24 hour opening. Arranged over 4 floors, the 8000sqm building was designed to accommodate and deliver, all enquiries, advice and support related to residential and on campus accommodation and campus life; pastoral support for care leavers, well-being, counselling, money advice and chaplaincy; academic support for library users, academic skills and research support; disability support; transitions between years and for those seeking careers advice, volunteering, graduate employment and part-time work. A complementary staff facing suite of services comprise advice for effective use of learning technologies, library resources and web based services.
The construction of the building began in July 2017 and the first staff members moved into their new offices in June 2018, with the building and its services fully operational in September 2018.
This case study will summarise key decisions made during the construction phase, including the development of a vision for the building and will reflect on the extent to which goals identified pre- entry have been realised during the first year of occupancy.
Included in
A Success Story? Delivering the Vision for Catalyst
In a bold and unprecedented move by the University, a new building, housing Library and Learning Services, Student Services and Careers was agreed by the University’s Board of Governors at their November 2016 meeting. At an initial cost of £26m it represents the largest single investment in a new building project by the University. This was a project to create an inspiring building and ‘provide an intellectually stimulating, creative and inclusive environment for [the university’s] community’. Whilst being highly student-focused, it was designed as a facility for the entire Edge Hill community including researchers, staff, alumni, and external visitors.
Its proposed location at a central point of arrival on campus, would make a statement not only about the importance of the student experience, but also act as a reference point to the institution’s heritage of female empowerment with a ‘suffragette garden’ and spaces designed for outdoor public speaking and performances.
The decision to co-locate Services was seen as a progressive and sustainable initiative, creating efficiencies of space and resources, and enabling the delivery of a converged front-line service with 24 hour opening. Arranged over 4 floors, the 8000sqm building was designed to accommodate and deliver, all enquiries, advice and support related to residential and on campus accommodation and campus life; pastoral support for care leavers, well-being, counselling, money advice and chaplaincy; academic support for library users, academic skills and research support; disability support; transitions between years and for those seeking careers advice, volunteering, graduate employment and part-time work. A complementary staff facing suite of services comprise advice for effective use of learning technologies, library resources and web based services.
The construction of the building began in July 2017 and the first staff members moved into their new offices in June 2018, with the building and its services fully operational in September 2018.
This case study will summarise key decisions made during the construction phase, including the development of a vision for the building and will reflect on the extent to which goals identified pre- entry have been realised during the first year of occupancy.