BPP University: crafting the ideal learning environment

6th October 2021

“Is there a better time than now to refresh our learning facilities?” That’s the question BPP University asked themselves during the pandemic lockdown, when the number of students actively visiting and working out of physical buildings was at an all-time low. The answer, of course, was yes.

Dynamic refresh

The university counts around 15,000 students across 13 centres in eight locations throughout England (and online around the world). They moved quickly to identify suitable buildings for refurbishment.

Innovative design

Innovation and creativity were bywords for a project centred on adapting student spaces in advance of a mass return to in-person learning. Which is exactly what you’d expect from a university that had already made history by becoming the first publicly owned company in the UK to obtain degree-awarding powers.

They also needed a design and implementation partner. This quickly led to conversations with Form Workplace Solutions – due to an on-going relationship that has seen us deliver on a range of diverse projects over many years. Basically we know what they want in terms of functional requirements and what they like from a design perspective. Plus, we have in-depth knowledge of most of their buildings.

Initial activity focused on BPP University’s Holborn facility, which is their hub for legal training. The brief was simple: help refresh the student facilities and introduce a modern look and feel to the overall environment. In response, we quickly got to work devising plans for the refurbishment. These included new flooring designs and the replacement of well-worn furniture that had served the institution well, but was showing signs of wear and tear!

Happy students

Importantly, branding was also top of mind. This we kept subtle, with an emphasis on providing best-in-class facilities that are consistent with today’s student expectations for a modern learning experience. Doing this meant a clear focus on aspects such as acoustics and space. As well as the provision of more private areas to provide student ‘quiet spaces’.

In addition, we also introduced:

high and low study positions,
a creative break out facility in the basement – complete with lounge seating,
a range of large and small tables to encourage further student interactions, and
ease of access to power for mobile devices

All of which was imagined, developed, implemented, and signed-off in time to welcome students back for the new academic year. Job done.

“We have worked with Form on a number of projects during which they have built an understanding of how we work and how our facilities should look. On this project, we have been able to update our student facilities seamlessly managing the design and visualisation, so we knew what we were getting before they even set foot on site. Form delivered the works on time and within budget.”

Maggie Parker, Head of Property, BPP University

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Form Workplace Solutions has a highly experienced design team with a long track record of bringing innovative concepts to educational environments. As a registered supplier with the Low Carbon Workspaces initiative, we can deliver in the most cost effective way possible.

We’re bursting with ideas on how to bring future learning space designs to life. If you’re looking for expert know-how and practical support, contact Alex Ryan on 01494 464686 or email us at info@formws.co.uk.