Academic Studios
The conversion of two former Student Accommodation Blocks to Academic Studios on the Arts University Bournemouth campus, following completion of Photography and Student Services Buildings.
The three-storey loadbearing masonry structures required extensive analysis to demonstrate that upgrading from domestic floor loading to a higher imposed load and from Class 2A to Class 2B disproportionate collapse could be achieved. The result was a project that required extensive structural intervention but retained the bulk of the original structure. The buildings are overclad to provide a contemporary facade and to align with the surrounding recent developments.
On winning the 2017 RICS South West Award for Design through Innovation the judges commented : “This innovative project has, by utilising structural engineering gymnastics, transformed two former halls of residence of masonry load bearing construction into new design studios and workshops as part of an ongoing transformation of the Arts University campus.”
Student Services Building
The new Student Services building provides improved and expanded facilities to house the University’s Student Services, Student Union and Facilities Management Department with additional use for supporting space such as meeting rooms and a GP Surgery.
Two new brick-clad buildings and a refurbished existing two-storey building form the new facilities. The building targets ‘Passivhaus’ environmental performance standards by employing innovated insulated concrete formwork, triple-glazed facades and bespoke environment control. This provides a highly insulated and airtight envelope that minimises the building’s energy consumption.
Additionally a sculptural steel canopy has been engineered to span over the road and link the new buildings, also providing a striking new way point on the campus.
The project was a RIBA Regional Award winner in 2016 and shortlisted for a Brick Award.
