The design of the Adult Learning Centre developed as a result of research into the needs of the users, the organisations that would share the space, and the scale at which all of this would occur.
Testing schemes
Entrance is positioned on the larger half of the site
Smaller site houses the shared spaces, and the facilities for the supporting organisations
Stepped lecture space, with potential for both private and public discussion
Large landscaped space close to the entrance
Large corridor, allowing easy navigation
Bridging system connecting the two. Library positioned on the bridge to encourage use through natural circulation
Private spaces providing southwesterly views of the Birley Campus
Large shared landscaped area beside entrance
Steps for circulation and congregation
Landscaped space at the lower end of the site
Car Park at lower end of the larger site
The preliminary schemes mapped out the organisation of programme between the two halves of the site. Layout was determined by environmental considerations, needs of the users, and to optimise circulation within, and across, the two halves.
Further development
of the scheme
Several exterior landscaped spaces are factored in
The site was reduced to one half, to be at an appropriate scale for the centre
Landscaped space to the front helps to angle the opening space southerly
Exterior façade and roof are developed
Using tracing paper and site maps several plans were drawn up and amended to make more suitable
The diagrams depict the method of trialling the organisation of the main adult learning rooms on the site.
Having tested a series of schemes, it was identified that the original site was too large for the needs of the Adult Learning Centre. In developing the design further it was decided that the Centre would occupy the smaller part of the site as it was more appropriate for the Centre's programme.