Edgbaston School For Girls

Edgbaston Sixth Form Centre approached Envoplan with a challenge to refurbish its existing learning space.

Edgbaston School For Girls Brief

Edgbaston Sixth Form Centre approached Envoplan with a challenge to refurbish its existing learning space. They wanted it to reflect their progressive and up-to-date teaching style.

As a leading independent sixth-form college, they supply students with interactive and informal teaching methods. Their educational ethos is advanced and modern, so it was imperative to have a space to complement this.

The original space was not being used effectively by the students. Therefore, the year heads wanted to create a comfortable and nurturing environment that allowed students to feel empowered and confident.

Edgbaston needed space on the same level as their teaching abilities. They wanted a learning space that promoted collaboration and supported students’ studying habits. Also, one that encouraged individual and group learning.

Our Challenge

Envoplan understood the importance of engaging with the project’s end-users to understand their needs and incorporate their ideas.

They held student meetings and collaborative discussions to gain insights into how the area could benefit the students more effectively. The collaboration provided valuable feedback, which guided the design and refurbishment process. Listening to the ideas and visions of the students ensured they were at the centre of the new designs.

One of the key objectives was to create a space that was a comfortable and supportive learning environment. Envoplan achieved this by combining elements, comfortable seating, good lighting, and a welcoming colour scheme. Additionally, the acoustic panel reduced noise, forming quiet study areas and allowing students to work undisturbed.

By successfully blending numerous design elements, it would make a space where students can enjoy a positive learning experience.

Envoplan's Solution

Part of the refurbishment plan involved zoning the space. To figure out a successful way for simultaneous activities to happen.

The area was divided into different zones, each with its own unique purpose. The school needed spaces for focused individual work also collaborative spaces for group projects. The new arrangement allowed the students to work in the way that suited them best while still collectively being present in the same area.

Incorporating glass panels and wooden raised desks gave the workspaces a bright and natural feel. Sound management was crucial to the project’s success.

Installing acoustic panels reduced noise in the atrium space. The panels work by dampening and diffusing sounds throughout the area, allowing hollow noises and echo’s to reduce. The contained the spread of disruptive noise and created a peaceful environment conducive to learning.

Strategic placement of a café in the central space was welcomed positively by students and teachers alike. The café is now a social point for students to chat with friends and a place to grab a quick bite to eat between classes. This new space has created a sense of unity and community among all those using it, providing a more inviting and inspiring environment.

The Response

On completion, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The staff and students felt the space was comfortable, inviting, and well-designed. Students appreciated the variety of zones and praised the new acoustic configuration, which made area quieter and more conducive to learning.

By paying close attention to the needs and wants of the students, the refurbishment has brought them together into a functional and enjoyable study space that supports effective learning.