New space for University of Birmingham campus

Ecospace shelving in the Main Library on the University of Birmingham’s UK campus. Photo: University of Birmingham

The specialist shelving partner

Following a successful tender process, the company will provide the same specialist shelving already used by students in the main library on the University’s Birmingham campus.

Ecospace is supplying 1,000 linear metres of library shelving for the new campus, but only a third of this will be installed initially with the rest stored and used to expand the library as student numbers grow over the next few years.

The initial installation will hold around 10,000 books, but Ecospace is providing the capacity for the key campus facility to eventually stock some 36,000 books to serve students at the iconic new campus which will have the capacity for up to 2,900 students.

University of Birmingham Dubai Provost, Professor David Sadler, said: “Our new building has been designed as a comfortable and exciting venue for learning, where innovative, multidisciplinary teaching will provide students with the inspiration to successfully progress their studies – whether collaboratively or individually.”

Designed to reflect real-world working practices, the new campus will encourage students to carry out research in interdisciplinary teams across all academic subjects. Flexible study spaces will ensure students have a learning environment suited to their needs; whether in large lecture theatres and laboratories or smaller seminar and tutorial rooms.

With architecture inspired by the historic Aston Webb buildings on the Birmingham campus, the Dubai facilities will use shaded open-air courtyard spaces to create an enjoyable and productive student experience. The buildings will sit next to parkland offering sports pitches and an open air event space, while new student accommodation is a short walk away, across the parkland.

The furniture partners

From the open and welcoming atrium space to the digital-focused library, Orangebox will supply a range of tables, chairs, sofas and other fixtures which mirror those which have already proved popular with students in Birmingham.

Dubai-based Office Inspirations will install the furnishings on the iconic new campus, recreating the style and atmosphere of study and social spaces on the University’s Birmingham campus.