There comes a time, even if you don’t want it to, where you have to let your children fly the nest and become their own person. It can be an emotional time, but never forget it’s incredibly stressful and confusing for them too; they’ll have to make tougher choices than which flavour of ice cream they want, and that’s never easy!
Before they fully hit adulthood, many young people will find themselves attending a Further Education (FE) College, which continues their studies or allows them to take on apprenticeships, typically between the ages of 16-18. They’ll come out of the experience with, all being well, qualifications to help set them up for the next part of their journey.
With it being such a transitional time, it’s important that the environment is not only suitable for a wide range of needs but also makes students feel comfortable. It needs a strong wayfinding design too, otherwise students will miss their final exams navigating the endless maze of corridors!
This is something that those at Shropshire-based architect firm, Johnson Design Partnership, understand: young people aren’t just another number in a system. As such, facilitating them in any way possible is high on JDP’s priority list when undertaking an education architect project.
Further Education Architecture For Community
Whether a student is attending a FE College for the first time, about to sit their final exams or undergo the final stage of an apprenticeship, it’s an important part of the JDP ethos that the final completed project reflects the needs of those who will benefit from using it, and builds a sense of architecture for community too. The educational needs are a factor of this process, ensuring the environment is suitable, innovative, functional, and sustainable, but also one that makes the students feel like they are a person.
There’s plenty of criteria to meet and red tape to navigate (something the more artistic students may enjoy) when it comes to school concept design, but that’s not to say the creative and innovative team at JDP aren’t up to the task. They already have numerous education architecture projects completed, including designing a new craft and design facility for Shooters Hill College in Greenwich, and several exciting projects for Tower Hamlets College. London architect educational projects aren’t just a pipe dream to JDP, they are a reality.
Work at Shooters College included the use of shipping containers, which in a modern world are proving to be an increasingly popular choice, in part due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, often noted as providing a modular design experience. The approach of modular construction means that quick assembly and the potential to disassemble and relocate containers are readily available. It also meant the students themselves were fond of the design as it was fitting with the nature of their studies, making the space feel even more suitable for them.
Education Architecture Starts With Feasibility
Numerous projects see JDP perform a feasibility study. This allows all an understanding of how the concept design architects can create plans that are cost-effective and meet the future needs of the institution. It also means students are often allowed a say in the design, which is important to JDP as it’s those students, and generations to come, that will be using the facilities.
In addition, architectural services for school building maintenance were provided, allowing the college to stay open and available for many years to come. No point in having a fancy new facility if one rainstorm will cause everything to come crashing down, and thus JDP’s approach focuses on providing schools with flexible, sustainable solutions that can adapt to changing educational requirements.
Similarly, work on the Tower Hamlets project involved numerous building plans and adhered to all the official rigmarole it should have, there’s no cutting corners at JDP, but still managed to create a space that felt unique to the students, the college ethos, and the vibrant and diverse community around them.
Work ranged from designing a state-of-the-art IT suite facility, one that felt modern and will be functional for many years, to conducting feasibility studies for new technology and science lab blocks, ensuring they are not only equipped with the latest technology and equipment, but that they won’t need a revamp in the near future.
Wayfinding Design is Key
One of the unique aspects that JDP could tap into with the Tower Hamlets project was the vibrant urban setting. It allowed the creative minds involved to explore innovative wayfinding design solutions and architecture for community. These reflected the college’s evolving educational needs and the need to create spaces that naturally flowed into each area. It also highlighted growing focus on modern technology and STEM subjects, but highlighted the community spirit too.
As with all projects, it’s not just about providing the most innovative and sustainable outcome; it’s about JDP knowing they have made those it will benefit feel a part of something, it’s not just a new facility, it’s their facility.
Every person is different, and accommodating them all is no easy task. However, JDP are more than up to the challenge of helping design innovative learning environments, with specialities covering everything from feasibility studies for school construction to school renovation architecture.
It’s more than just business to JDP, it’s about the individual and the community. It’s with that ethos that they aim to tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of each education architect project, ensuring every project supports both current and future goals. When it comes to the sensitive subject of younger people, it’s about building relationships as well as building actual structures.
