Study Space

The Brief

Acting on feedback from recent student surveys, the University of Reading wanted to create a new study and breakout space for its students.

Deciding to repurpose an old laboratory, the space needed to be both a welcoming social area and practical for individual or shared study. 

Project Delivery

Working with the Dean, senior team, building surveyor and the mechanical & electrical consultant, we managed the process as designs were created and refined. In addition to general building work and mainstream facilities, careful thought was given to how to ‘zone’ areas in the space and improve air quality post-Covid.

Once the design was signed off, we undertook the role of contract administrator.

• Everything was removed from the old lab (including sinks, the chiller and suspended ceiling) to take it back to a shell.
• Lessons learnt from the Covid-pandemic meant that special consideration had been given to the ventilation system. Rather than natural ventilation, the work needed to include a mechanical vent to ensure that fresh air was regularly brought into the space.
• As you would expect, obsolete electrics were replaced and there was a need for plenty of extra power and data sockets.
• The introduction of high-back chairs, to create acoustic barriers, and study pods created ‘zones’ but meant that radiators needed to be re-sited.
• Welcoming breakout, social spaces were created using bar-style seating and tables, and lower seating areas with coffee tables.
• Lighting was a key consideration in creating the ‘zones’ and there are subtle differences in lighting to reflect the mood of each area.
• The suspended ceiling was replaced and the space was redecorated to a high standard.

The Outcomes

The resulting study space, with its clear zones for study, collaboration and relaxing, is now a well-used space.