Brief

To design and project manage a new build library and planetarium facility, suitable for use by both the School and general public.

Solution

The new build modern library facility was designed over two floors, with an additional 28m² dedicated to the planetarium, to assist in delivery of the School’s curriculum, this included the refurbishment of an existing school building. The ground floor space accommodates a conference room, a reference area, a reprographics room, a reception desk, an individual reading area, benches embedded within the bookshelves, a display area, quiet zones, break out areas and toilet facilities.

The first floor is a large multiuse space with a projecting wall and computer terminals, intended for exhibitions and teaching for both students and the wider community. The planetarium is located in the centre of this level, although intended for the teaching and learning of astronomy, geology and geography the powerful projector software can be used for a large number of other subjects, completely customisable by the School to further aid in their teaching curriculum. 

The Planetarium is the first of its kind in a state school in the UK and has been shortlisted for the ‘Inspiring Learning Spaces’ award at the 2018 Education Estates Awards.