Cornwall College
St Austell, UK
Services
Sectors
project overview
Transforming the campus to create an inspirational and sustainable learning environment
The new St Austell Campus at Cornwall College will support the college’s long-term vision of providing a refreshed further education environment which puts practical learning first.
Our design includes the replacement of several existing buildings, and the design of two new buildings, strategically positioned to create a more connected and dynamic campus.
Building one will accommodate the facilities for a range of vocational subjects, such as a restaurant and hair and beauty salons, and building two for healthcare and engineering subjects.
Combining our masterplanning, architecture, landscape design services, our overall design will provide students at Cornwall College with a smart, sustainable and flexible campus that is fit for the future.
Masterplan
the masterplan
Designed to support the college’s desired learning outcomes
The connection between the new and existing buildings was key to creating a successful masterplan design. To deliver our client’s brief, building one creates a new sense of arrival, visibility and identity, a gateway building welcoming visitors on their approach. Whilst boasting fantastic views over St Austell and out to sea. Building two will sit within the existing car park, providing easy accessibility to the rest of the campus.
A new central quad space which will become the ‘heart’ of the campus, a series of communal spaces will also be incorporated to create a functional yet linked journey throughout.
Our design will enable prominent yet simple routes of pedestrian connection between departments across the site, encouraging students and teachers to engage seamlessly with the campus. This helps to create a more enjoyable and positive experience for students as they embark upon further education.
landscape concept
Forging connectivity and collaboration through the landscape
challenges and solutions
Working around the challenges of a tricky site
Due to the colossal site level differences, a recurring issue is posed in encouraging movement around campus, with its placement on a steep hill creating a segregated and disjointed campus.
A new central quad will mediate between the inconsistent site levels and has been strategically designed as a ‘collision space’, encouraging more connection and collaboration between students as they move between department buildings. It also provides a communal social space.
Another significant challenge faced when designing is undertaking construction whilst on a live college site. It’s vital that students, staff and visitors remain undisturbed during the construction phase, leaving no opportunity to impact their learning.
In designing the masterplan, a phased delivery was at the forefront to ensure the campus will function to the best of its ability whilst works take place. This ensures spaces and areas can be dedicated to learning whilst other facilities may be out of use.
design concept
Making best use of the space to create positive and meaningful learning facilities
sustainability
Rebuilding and transforming college estates
Part of the significant £1.5bn capital investment delivered through the FE Capital Programme, St Austell Campus will deliver a transformed educational environment, sitting alongside 16 others in England as part of the investment.
The campus has been designed and developed in line with the DFE’s (Department for Education) sustainability principles over the next four years and will set a significant benchmark for sustainable design on our pathway to meet 2050’s Net Zero Carbon requirement.
Key Information
Project summary
Client
Cornwall College
Location
St Austell, PL25 4DJ
Completion
On going
Team
Meet the team behind the project
Contact
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