Critical planning in Education

We are all aware that space is at a premium in every working environment, but this is exceptional in educational establishments, where the demands for environments can be time-tabled to vary several times a day.

To capitalise on this working environment, an efficient planning process is critical to ensure the success of the change.

Nick Clarke, director of Elm Workspace, highlights the points to consider.

A lack of communication can have huge detriment on the success of a project. More than this though, developing understanding and trust is highly important. Know who the key drivers are within each department, how the discipline is trying to deliver its work and what it needs to be successful. Greater success can sometimes be achieved by thinking outside of the box and considering more than the space needed, but also understanding what stimulates the pupils.

Consider what space is available, is it big enough, how does the light work in the area, how will the furniture function, can it be easily re-arranged, will it survive.

An early survey and space analysis is essential when agreeing what is achievable, especially if the plan is to turn classrooms into a technical area. The result of not acting early enough could mean your plans are not achievable because of monitoring and evaluation restrictions. Knowledge is essential when you are planning.

Test your planning process at every stage. Change in space or in working practice is often resented. We all know the old adage ‘a change is as good as a rest’, but bear in mind that it may take some individuals or pupils time to adapt and consideration to their needs, as people, throughout the project life will almost certainly aide with the move into the new facilities.

Creating an executive team who are fully aware of all the project requirements, regular design meetings, setting up ’key milestones’ are all effective tools in the delivery of projects. Newsletters, web site forum pages for comments, exhibitions of designs and photographs are again vital in getting the project message across to the end users, thereby ensuring that everybody starts to feel ownership of the new facilities.

Work with someone who has a true understanding of FF&E schemes, test their knowledge comes from experience not from a catalogue. Trust them to deliver the result that you want and you will deliver a project that will stand the test of time.

Date: 3rd March 2010

Refurbishment in Education; avoiding the pitfalls in 2010

Developing FF&E (furniture, fixtures & equipment) schemes and interior designs that allow maximum utilisation of every type of space, is a key element in the success of any redevelopment project in today’s education environment.

But how can every single space be maximised? What are the common pitfalls in education area design and planning?

Nick Clarke, director of Elm Workspace discusses some of the ways to avoid the potential pitfalls in the successful delivery of education projects:

The pitfalls in planning for the future

The pitfalls in planning for the future

The ever changing demands on today’s educationalists, in terms of curriculum delivery, means that when planning for change they have to understand and negate any threat to the success of the project to ensure the end scheme meets the needs of both staff and pupils.

Traditionally classrooms have been set up with furniture in straight rows and as many as possible in a room. The consequence of this can often be an uncomfortable working environment. A lack of comfort for children can make them fidgety and in turn develop bad behaviour.

Occasionally, the function of a room is overlooked when designing a building and this can often mean the space isn’t big enough for purpose. By considering the space available and using alternative (and perhaps more importantly, adaptable) teaching styles, pupils can have a comfortable and stimulating educational environment.

Making the best use of working space is as critical in education as it is in the commercial world. By considering the needs of the whole school community, an environment can be created that will not only be effective but stimulate and inspire.

With technology advancing every day, every young person and educationalist expects their seat of learning to be cutting edge. Whether it’s a social learning area for pupils, a staff breakout area or a technology studio, every possible consideration has to be catered for.

The demands on schools from the commercial world to deliver better trained and more aware young people into the market place, means that schools and colleges are developing specialisms that all require different approaches to facility delivery. It is important to understand those needs to develop a scheme that will deliver at every level.

From the outset it is essential that there are clear strategic goals laid out that are both achievable and far sighted.

IT, how it will work, where it will work, when it will work are all questions that need addressing on day one. A clear reality of what is achievable is essential; compromising any point is simply storing up an issue for, what will turn into a very difficult day, when the time for delivery arrives.

Feasibility and consultancy reports are important in understanding the whole picture and essential to ensure the planned changes are logistically possible and will achieve the desired results. These reports are toothless however if written by someone who does not truly understand what the overall aim of the project is.

Date: 15th February 2010

Elm Workspace acquires Euro Office Equipment to expand office furniture offering

Workplace interior specialist Elm Workspace has acquired Euro Office Equipment, to expand its furniture offering and grow its established presence.

The move represents the next stage in the expansion of the Elm Workspace business, which is currently fitting out new offices and a showroom exceeding 5,000sq ft – the new epicentre of the business in Wiltshire. The acquisition will also position Elm Workspace as one of the UK’s leading workplace design and fitting businesses with a significant footprint in the South West.

Euro Office Equipment has been established for 16 years and has a turnover in excess of £2 million. The company had most of its clients in the public sector, with a particular focus on the NHS.

Elm Workspace will continue to support the clients of Euro Office Equipment and provide access to an extended range of services including a team of specialist CAD designers and interior contracting team.

Nick Clarke, Projects director at Elm Workspace comments, “This acquisition is an important strategic move for Elm, and very much supports our aspirations to work with an increasing number of public sector and NHS organisations. In addition, we want to build on our reputation as an established business which puts customer service at the very forefront of everything we do – creating usable, working environments for organisations with specific needs.”

Date: 3rd February 2010

Education on the up

The education division of Elm Workspace has already reported a growth this year. With the launch of the new brochure in April and further investment in marketing Schools are recognising the great value for money in the service offered as well as competitive prices on the products. 

The successful bids in 2009 include the 6th form refit at John Bentley School in Calne, a Food Tech refit in Plymouth, Laboratories refit in Bristol as well as all the loose furniture for the whole of the brand new North Leamington Secondary School. Elm were also successful in their design of a science centre, two sixth form common rooms and all the classrooms for the new sixth form centre at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham due for completion at the end of 2009. 

Elm is forging ongoing relationships with many of the main contractors and currently works with Beards, Cowlin and Skanska who are finding the flexibility and response times to their advantage.

London Southbank University

Elm awarded the contract for a second term

Elm Workspace has once again been awarded the contract to supply London Southbank University with a complete design and furniture install service for the next three years.

Elm has been working with the University for the last five years and has successfully kept up a high level of service which was rewarded by an extension to the contract after a competitive tendering exercise by the University.

This new contract includes the installation of 500 workstations in the new Keyworth II building which is due for completion towards the end of 2009 and will be the fourth major install for Elm at the University.