BACKGROUND

Landmark regional development

The £81m college and university campus creates the most up-to-date facilities for Burnley College and the University of Central Lancashire, incorporating a sixth form centre,a separate skills and adult centre and a university centre. This iconic development was funded by Burnley College, the University of Central Lancashire,   the Learning & Skills Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the Higher Education Funding Council. Work commenced on 7th November 2007 and was completed in early July 2009.

Burnley College is recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and has experienced a record uptake of new registrations for 2009/2010.

Project Facts

OBJECTIVES

Facilitate modern teaching methods

For some time the College had been constrained by inflexible accommodation that did not adequately support it’s modern teaching methods or meet capacity demands.

Objectives for the new development included the provision of inspiring, fit-for-purpose furniture that would blend with the building’s contemporary architecture and facilitate flexible teaching methods that promote ‘active engagement’ in students.

Kinnarps was awarded the contract after a formal tender process, providing an inclusive, value-for-money solution that addressed all the College’s needs. Certified quality was a key acceptance criteria which was demonstrated by showroom visits and installed show suites.

Another key criteria for the college was the need for an efficient installation process as delivery was required within a very tight time frame. Kinnarps was able to demonstrate a professional approach and proven track record of delivery to tight timescales with in house delivery and installation resources to ensure a clean, controlled experience. This was all supported by a strong local presence in the form of the Kinnarps business centre located in Manchester.

Above all the furniture proposed needed to fit in with the overall concept for the new building – ‘active engagement” - and contribute in some way to achieve this goal. 

SOLUTION

Inspiring variety of products

A wide range of products was specified to deliver the required effect in each distinct area of the College, all in keeping with the overall vision. This product mix included everyday ‘functional’ items in office and staff areas alongside carefully selected “stand-out” premium products in public and teaching areas. Essentially the College’s primary requirements were contemporary, good quality, modern furniture items.

Origo desking in an oak finish was used in all Standard classrooms twinned with Solo cantilever chairs. Active Learning Zones (ALZs) where students have access to comprehensive study resources  including lap top computers and internet access, journals, books, trade publications and printed & electronic periodicals, featured height-adjustable gas lift tables alongside standard desking to encourage a flexible study approach.

Staffrooms were furnished with low level soft-seating areas complete with Gloss chairs  in addition to furniture also specified for the Department working areas; series[e] desking, Function task chairs and XD lockers to satisfy personal storage requirements for College staff.

An affordable executive look was created for senior management areas with series[f] desking and 8000 series chairs while meeting rooms and boardrooms benefit from Foldex folding meeting tables with a 50mm thick top and Arcus chairs.

The  café and refectory areas were specified with a range of furniture including Foldex folding tables with the standard 23mm thick top, Latte stacking chairs, Gloss standing-height tables and Latte high stools.

Colin Crowther,  Director of Finance and Resources for Burnley College remarked that a “pleasant bonus was the time and effort of the Kinnarps Design team, whose efforts significantly impacted on the effectiveness of the end results of all areas, even under such tight timescales.”  Active Learning Zones, staff rooms, refectory/café areas, reception, all public areas all benefited from the inclusive Kinnarps space planning service. “We did not realise how valuable this service would be and would now certainly add this as a benchmark criteria to any further tender request.”

“We’re very pleased with the way the new development has turned out. I think we have found furniture that is totally in keeping with the exceptional look and quality of the building, all combining to give state-of-the-art, contemporary facilities to our students and staff. We look forward to welcoming them into this new space.”

Colin Crowther, Finance Director