糖心原创vlog

Experience and flexibility in education

To last into the future, educational buildings and campuses must adapt, become more sustainable, and cater for the shifting demands of society and business. It’s a challenge that no one establishment or local authority can face alone. Alongside government, framework partners and estates leads, we listen, adapt and learn – but never in isolation. Our peers, technical specialists, and teaching and research professionals help shape our projects as we work to perfect a model for education provision which still allows those using the space to flourish. We thrive on a challenge, bringing experts together to develop sustainable solutions, designed for longevity and wellbeing. 

Building blocks for early education spaces

We deliver our education work through public sector frameworks via local authorities, or directly for the institutions themselves. We recognise the need for educational spaces to be adaptable and cost-effective – it’s why we have worked with our project partners to develop an innovative approach, using standardised components. By replicating tried and tested techniques and processes from our experience on other projects, this model speeds up pre-construction times, saves on delays during the design phase, and improves cost and programming.

We continue to collaborate with education partners through our engagement programmes, which include the Level 3 Applied Diploma in Professional Construction Practice, our World of Work Experience (WOWEX) programme, which allows students to learn what it’s like to work in construction, and our support for the transition to T Level qualifications in England.

High performing places for higher education

We know that high quality, high performing spaces attract exceptional talent. Higher education institutions need to be the best in their field across a range of disciplines.

We work with our clients to create places that boost productivity, and where faculty and students can work and learn together. Harnessing the latest sector insights and research enables us to understand the challenges higher education estates face 鈥� our teams have the expertise to find the right solutions, creating spaces that provide a competitive advantage relevant to the institution and its needs.

One example would be our phase one fit out of the state-of-the-art teaching facility of the University of Birmingham, Dubai - their first ever global campus. The striking building now provides purpose built space and advanced facilities for the students of the UAE. This includes a 180 seat lecture theatre, specialist science teaching laboratories and an advanced computer laboratory; all featuring the very latest digital infrastructure. 

Creating partnerships and award winning spaces

We build a community around our clients. Our team works with them from planning to handover, and is by their side as they navigate the new space. We help clients manage their spaces efficiently by using data from our Performing Places operational performance system, along with user feedback, to ensure the space is the right fit. By listening, adapting and learning in collaboration with our peers, technical specialists and teaching professionals, we鈥檙e shaping a new era of educational spaces 鈥� as recognised by our Contractor of the Year win at the Education Estates Awards 2020.