Demco designs new Hub for modern learning

A light and modern space for learning

The new Learning Hub makes much better use of the space and is now unrecognisable from the old, 80’s styled interior with its dated high wooden shelving, old fashioned furnishings, large counter and awkward layout.

Neil Shoulder, Director of Teaching, Learning and Quality Improvement said: “The old library was not designed to meet the digital age so we put our heads together and envisioned how the space could be improved and what it should include. Demco were brilliant from design through to fit out. They made us think about how the space was going to be used by staff and students in practical terms and how that could be translated in a creative way.”

Much of the existing steel shelving was upcycled by converting it to a lower height for improved sightlines and openness and then reclad in a clean white modern finish.

As well as creating a lighter space Neil wanted a flexible space that would be more suitable for students working and learning digitally and a space that could easily be shape shifted to meet different needs. The Hub is now easily configured for digital induction days, inset days, examinations and has even been used for yoga and pilates on wellbeing days.

Neil adds: “We now have a digitally enhanced, accessible and versatile Learning Hub, and it looks as if we have twice as much space as we had before!”