News
16 December 2009
Pick Everard makes educational history with designs for new sixth form centre for the Isle of Wight College
Further education on the Isle of Wight is looking forward to a brighter future, thanks to the design capabilities of architectural and engineering practice Pick Everard. Planning permission for a new purpose-built sixth form centre at Isle of Wight College is anticipated during December, with construction due to start on the 16-acre Newport site during the first week of January. The preferred contractor is Miller Construction.
The proposed centre of excellence, fit for the 21st century, enables Isle of Wight College to offer an A level curriculum, giving students on the island much more choice for their post-16 studies. With student numbers expected to increase between 2010 and 2011, the college has begun its long-term, four-phase site redevelopment plan with the construction of this highly-innovative 1,800m² building.
Pick Everard architects have designed a purpose-built and secure sixth form centre that will provide an additional 300 student places, plus long-awaited facilities for A level study. The proposed, flexible accommodation will cater for scientific and vocational courses, as well as mainstream academic subjects. In contrast to the majority of the college’s existing facilities, the new centre will offer modern, state of the art designated spaces for socialising, teaching and learning. The project has been made more challenging with a tight timetable, for the first 6th Form intake in September 2010.
Pick Everard’s architects have proposed an architectural style for the centre that is sympathetic to the existing adjacent Learning Resource Centre and that provides a strong visual link to the rest of the built campus. The design solution is part of a masterplan for the overall college estate which is to be gradually redeveloped over time. Commanding attractive views of the nearby Medina River, this will be a simple L-shaped, lightweight structure consisting of a three storey element connected to a smaller two storey pavilion via a double-height glazed entrance atrium. Lightweight materials and the use of building systems that can be constructed at speed will ensure that the timetable can be met without compromising overall performance and build quality. A steel structure will be clad externally with a palette of materials including curtain walling, rendered walls, terracotta and aluminium rainscreen cladding, combined to provide a contemporary, light and airy building, thoughtfully designed to inspire young learners.
The college is aiming for a BREEAM Very Good rating but aspiring for BREEAM Excellent (as assessed under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method Education 2008 programme) and with a strong track record of work in the education sector, Pick Everard is confident of achieving this, through energy and water use efficiency, maximum incorporation of natural light and ventilation, self-regulating, ambient temperatures and the application of renewable energy wherever possible. This approach is very much in keeping with the Isle of Wight’s aspirations as an ‘eco-island’.
The site’s natural biodiversity will be used to maximum effect. A new storm water attenuation pond will serve as a valuable teaching resource, as well as being an attractive addition to the college’s external environment. Meadows planted with spring-flowering bulbs will be used to provide an alternative teaching and break-time location. The campus’s other main focal points will be an arrival plaza and a sixth form courtyard featuring benches, shrubs and trees. The college’s current sports area – consisting of a basketball wall and football pitch – are being relocated and extended and a nearby ridge will serve as a seating area for spectators.
Security is of paramount importance and has been incorporated by the Pick Everard team into the design, working closely with the local crime prevention officer. Incorporating key principles of the Secured by Design police-approved programme, the proposed new building will have a single access point, with pupil and teacher safety further enhanced by CCTV, dusk-to-dawn, energy-efficient lighting and access control. Secured by Design is the UK’s official police flagship initiative which aims to achieve crime prevention during the design, layout and construction stages of homes and commercial premises. All new facilities will be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Rod Burton, Pick Everard partner leading the multidisciplinary Pick Everard project team said he was confident that the new centre would exceed all expectations. He added: “This ground-breaking project is an exciting and positive start to 2010 and a milestone event in the Isle of Wight’s educational history.
He added, “Having designed both educational and custodial buildings on the Isle of Wight in recent years Pick Everard has played an important role in the modernisation and redevelopment of the Island’s built environment.”
Derek Kingsland, Isle of Wight College project manager, said, “The college was pleased with both the design and speed at which Pick Everard developed the scheme. We look forward to the construction phase and to moving into our new building, which will be a great new asset for the college and our students”.
