Bradford College

3
Client

Bradford College

Project

College site design and build

Value

£16m / €21.5m

Bradford College

Requirement:

Bradford College, working on one site from several outdated buildings, wanted a single college building to bring together a range of study activities. In need of a dramatic update to fit their purpose, we needed to work sensitively with the mature woodland surrounding and within the site.

Our solution:

  • We wanted to make the beautiful outdoors more of a feature, so the roof overhangs the building creating plenty of covered space, giving it the look and feel of a pavilion, and making moving around the building outside as easy as going through it.
  • Underneath the existing mature canopy of trees we're creating an ornamental understory which helps soften the impact of the proposed new security fencing that will surround the perimeter.
  • With a diverse range of courses on offer, we divided the space sensitively, keeping the quieter learning like IT and classroom courses away from noisy practical courses like construction.
  • A central, glass-roofed walkway gives a focal point visually and socially, and colourful tensile structures add colour and interest, and shade everyone from bright overhead sunshine.
  • Planters that can be easily changed add colour and areas of light and shade.
  • Splashes of bold colour are used sparingly to break up the hard materials used - slate, steel, glass and concrete - without being overly frivolous. The college wanted a ‘serious' environment for their staff and students.
  • In the classrooms, pale materials and finishes, like slate and beech are used and we specified classroom furniture for the client to choose from to ensure consistency once the scheme is in use.