Castle Boulevard, Nottingham
Place: Nottingham, UK
Total area: 9,225 square feet
Year: 2021
Architect: Munawar Rao
About the Project
The Castle Boulevard project involved the extensive refurbishment of Howard House, a sizable office building constructed in 1995. The building, once home to multiple businesses, underwent a complete transformation to suit the needs of university students.
This was no small task – the building spans over 9,225 square feet across two floors and features an open atrium. Our team undertook the process of converting this vast space into a university hub, entailing the removal of numerous walls to create expansive, open areas across both levels.
Design considerations, types, and advantages
The primary goal of the design process was to create a bright and open environment conducive to learning and collaboration. Particular attention was paid to maintaining the building’s original features, such as the atrium, while incorporating modern educational amenities like IT labs, libraries, and classrooms.
Design considerations, types, and advantages
Types:
The building now boasts a range of facilities, each tailored to its unique purpose:
- IT Lab: A technologically advanced space, equipped to accommodate digital learning and research.
- Library: A quiet study and research area, furnished with comfortable seating and ample resources.
- Classrooms: Versatile spaces designed to foster interactive learning and facilitate lectures.
- Offices: Professional and comfortable workspaces for university staff.
- Atrium: The heart of the building, providing an open and inviting space for students and staff to gather and interact.
Advantages:
The transformation of the Castle Boulevard building offers several key benefits:
- Optimised Space Usage: By repurposing an existing office building, we’ve efficiently utilized the available space to create a multifunctional university facility.
- Historical Preservation: While the building’s purpose has changed, its historical features have been preserved, adding unique character to the learning environment.
- Enhanced Learning Experience: The modern facilities cater to various learning styles and needs, promoting an inclusive and comprehensive educational approach.
- Community Value: The project has breathed new life into an older structure, contributing to the community and local economy.
