The pandemic also encouraged a broader adoption of creative, quick-fix solutions, such as pop-up or temporary structures, outdoor learning, and meeting spaces. Many of our clients have been early adopters of these solutions, as seen with the Saltire Centre at GCU way back in 2006, a precursor to the Heart of Campus project, where we installed inflatable rooms and giant canopies on the ground floor. Both ECB and ENU embraced the idea of outdoor pavilions where people can meet, work, dwell or gather for events. Outdoor spaces were among the eight project packages participants developed as part of the ENU Vision Project. Among the many great ideas were pavilions, amphitheatres, marquees, chat tracks, and generally blurring the boundaries between inside and outside, an approach previously used in the landscape of the Heart of Campus project, which was explicitly designed to extend the internal learning spaces into the landscape, creating this type of permeable boundary. The future of UK universities hinges on their ability to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by insufficient capital investment. By embracing innovative, cost-effective strategies and reimagining the use of existing spaces, institutions can continue to provide high-quality education, enhance student experiences, and maintain their competitiveness in a global market. As we look ahead, securing sustainable funding and fostering collaborative partnerships will be crucial in ensuring that university campuses remain vibrant, functional, and inspiring spaces for generations to come.
Left ECB WorkSpirit Biophilia Project UoG Fraser Building Restaurant Right KCL K+ Inbetween Spaces
ECB WorkSpirit Biophilia Project
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker