The building work began August 2022 and was completed July 2023. Initially this was only a facade project to replace the original 1970 Pilkington glass windows in the rotundas/hexagons.
However, additional works were required to the building following replacement of the boiler and radiators, along with some redecoration and ventilation works, so whilst we were decanting staff from their offices, it was agreed that this would be a much larger capital works project.
Some additional works, where funding and time allowed, included a refurb of one of our meeting rooms with a new digitally enabled meeting table and new LCD TV displays around the building.
New building signage has also been a welcomed change - a fresh, up-to-date look which incorporates the new UoS branding, making it much easier for students and visitors to find their way around the building for meetings and teaching.
Exterior LED lights have been added to the building, which come on before sunset in the University brand (blue/purple) on normal days and display different colours on special days (e.g red for remembrance Sunday).
Refurbed PGR spaces have already been greatly received by current students, following ongoing issues with rooms feeling cold, dark and cluttered.
After struggling to find bookable workshop space on campus, and the requirement for our own plotter and 3D printers, came the construction of our new urban design studio.
The new Urban Design Studio space/equipment and upgrades to the AV/virtual reality in teaching room one will make a huge difference to the quality of our teaching and access to resources we're able to provide our students.
“The building has really taken shape since I came to work here in September 2019, back then it was tired looking and dreary. The renovations have been a real pain at times, but now it's a much nicer place to come and work.” - Samantha Bharath, Departmental Manager.
The general aesthetics internally and externally, along with the replacement windows, heating and ventilation, make the building a much nicer, safer and more comfortable working environment for our staff and students.
For more building pictures and updates on what's going on in the department, check out our Instagram and Facebook pages.