Learning pods and an "E bar" are among the visually stunning
features created for Birmingham Metropolitan College by an
innovative West Midlands interiors company.
Halesowen-based Mission Workplace was commissioned by the
college to transform an empty space on the ground floor of the
Matthew Boulton campus.
The project, which took eight weeks to complete, includes
state-of-the-art learning, teaching and staff areas, a new entrance
lobby and an outdoor area suitable for college functions.
Noel Ryan, Mission Workplace's sales and development director,
said: "The new areas integrate with the existing college space,
resulting in a natural, seamless flow to the spaces.
"While we were working on the designs for a learning laboratory
for teaching small groups, we worked closely with the college and
developed the concept for the learning pod, which allows close
collaboration and focused learning using the latest technology.
"The staff learning lounge has a combination of meeting spaces,
soft seating and an "E bar" which houses technology, but
aesthetically appears to float. To create this effect, the "E bar"
was designed with no obviously visible means of support."
Noel added: "Maximising natural light within the building was
important. We opted for curved glass as it creates a feeling of
more space and also visually defines the different areas."
Lecturers and students are encouraged to experiment with the
space and technology plus a range of teaching and learning methods.
Feedback will be used to influence practices across the
college.
John Starmer, estates director at Birmingham Metropolitan
College, said: "We strive for excellence and innovation in all that
we do. The work that Mission Workplace has completed within our new
professional development centre showcases what can be achieved by
working closely with like-minded companies."
Based in Grammar School Lane, Halesowen, Mission Workplace
provides interior office design and build solutions.
It has also completed interior refurbishment and design led
projects at Birmingham Metropolitan College's James Watt and Sutton
Coldfield sites and for a number of other clients in both the
private and public sector.