University of Sheffield – Transforming Learning Spaces
The University of Sheffield recently underwent a campus wide project to renovate classroom and seminar spaces in the Diamond and Wave buildings.
They wanted to improve the style and quality of their learning facilities across campus to help meet the University’s long-term vision and continuously improve teaching and learning experiences.
Having previously worked with TOP-TEC to provide Audio Visual Lecterns and Collaborative Furniture for their learning spaces, the university was confident that we would be the right partner for this project.
Key Project Criteria:
◉ Offer the opportunity for concept visualisation and feedback.
◉ Provide fit-for-purpose IT and AV furniture across specialised learning spaces on campus.
◉ Complete the installation within a 16-week time-period.
Decision Process
TOP-TEC had several meetings with Ian Knowles
(Head of Teaching Technology, Media & Event Support) and Laura Armitage (Faculty Estates & Infrastructure Lead) to discuss the university’s requirements.
We also engaged with teams at HLM architects, Castle Owen Construction and ProAV to ensure easy integration of our furniture solutions with the required AV equipment and the architectural design of the space.
Following several meetings, we decided on some layouts and furniture solutions that were most suitable based on the university’s requirements.
Visualise your space…
TOP-TEC offered 2D room layouts to help provide a conception of the arrangement and ensure maximum use of the space, alongside 3D product renders of the furniture solutions so that the university could begin to visualise how the spaces would look.
How did we help?
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“Offer the opportunity for room concept visualisation and feedback”
In addition to the 2D layout and 3D renders, we set up a dedicated room on-site to display demos of the furniture solutions we recommended. University staff and stakeholders were able to interact directly with our furniture, providing feedback for customisation and improvement. This ensured that we further tailored the solutions to the university’s requirements and kept them involved at every stage of the process.
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“Provide fit for purpose IT and AV furniture across specialised learning and teaching spaces on campus”
We supplied our Synergy Collaborative Tables for the collaborative rooms, utilising our Blade worktop shape to help enhanced collaboration between students. The worktop is designed to be expanded to allow more contributors to fit at the end of the table, with the screen still being used as a primary resource. This setup not only promotes discussion but also increases engagement among participants.
Our Fir Desks were chosen for the multifunctional IT spaces because of their staggered worktop design, providing more individual workspaces for IT equipment instead of traditional linear setups. This fir design allows for more diverse work styles and in turn promotes productivity
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“Complete the projects within a 16-week time-period”
As an in-house designer and manufacturer, our flexibility ensured we could meet the required deadline. Our streamlined production process allowed us to swiftly adapt the tight deadline and deliver high-quality solutions within the stipulated time frame.
The Result
Since the installation, the new spaces in the buildings have received positive feedback from both students and lecturers who have been loving the fresh experience it provides!
The university are delighted with how our furniture solutions suit the functionality of the rooms and how we were able to meet their specific requirements.
It was a great experience working with The University of Sheffield to provide students with brand new learning spaces, giving them the opportunity to become fully immersed into their classes while encouraging and developing collaborative working skills.
“It has been great to work with colleagues at TOP-TEC, who have been ambitious with the innovation that will support future pedagogical development and learning outcomes at the University of Sheffield. .
The team has been supportive and responsive to last minute changes, understanding and aligning with the vision for the learning experience. ”
Laura Armitage
Faculty Estates & Infrastructure Manager, University of Sheffield
