International architects chosen for £8.15m UCLan project

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has chosen architecture practice AHR to create designs for its £8.15m student social spaces project.

AHR will lead a 13-strong design team established to ensure the proposals are shaped by those who will use the spaces and manage the facilities.

The team includes key UCLan representatives such as chief operating officer Michael Ahern and newly appointed Students’ Union president Sana Iqbal.

As part of the work, the campus’ Foster Building will be extended to include new areas for break-out activities and social learning.

Key design features of the expansion will include glass roofs, a hidden indoor garden and moveable furniture to allow students to reconfigure the space according to their needs.

UCLan’s chief operating officer, Michael Ahern, said: “The University is determined that the first delivery from the Masterplan will substantially benefit existing students, which is why the new Student Social Spaces are the first new facilities that will open.

“It’s great fun to do as the designs are being heavily led by the Students’ Union, their creativity and deep understanding of what students want is invaluable.”

AHR regional director Robert Hopkins commented: “The university experience is so much broader than formal learning and UCLan has recognised this in the Social Space project.

“It’s an exciting project to be working on, collaborating so closely with the student body to ensure these spaces deliver exactly what they want, resulting in a campus they will stay on for longer and a better student experience overall.”

Sana Iqbal said: “The Student Affairs Committee welcomes the opportunity to have a lead role in the design development process for the Student Social Spaces project, led by AHR.

“We’re keen to work in partnership with the university to create a space that will meet the needs of a variety of students and provide a much needed communal area on campus.”

Forming part of UCLan’s £200m Masterplan development, the social spaces are due for completion by Autumn 2017.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.