Mill Wharf, Birmingham
Place: Nottingham, UK
Total area: 750 m2
Year: 2019
Architect: Munawar Rao
Project Details
About the Project
Mill Wharf, a remarkable construction from the 1980s, boasts a steel frame structure with concrete floors, clad and brick elevations, and a mix of steel-framed double-glazed and wooden casement single-glazed windows. The building had been previously refurbished in 2009 and utilised as a training facility, complete with workshops, offices, classrooms, toilets, a kitchen, and a refectory. Our challenge was to transform this facility into a state-of-the-art educational institution.
Design considerations, types, and advantages
The design consideration was to maximize the use of the available space, ensuring each area of the building was used to its full potential while maintaining its historical integrity.
Design considerations, types, and advantages
Types
- Large Auditorium: This space has been designed for large gatherings and presentations, ensuring a state-of-the-art facility for knowledge sharing.
- Classrooms: Constructed to foster an interactive learning environment, these spaces allow for a range of teaching and learning methods.
- Breakout Area: A communal space for students to relax, connect, and collaborate outside of the traditional classroom setting.
- IT Labs and Libraries: Technologically advanced areas, coupled with well-stocked libraries, cater to the comprehensive educational needs of students in the digital age.
Advantages
The Mill Wharf transformation yields several benefits:
- Optimal Use of Space: The building’s transformation demonstrates how an existing structure can be optimally used for diverse educational purposes.
- Preservation of Historical Features: The project showcases our ability to modernize while retaining and honoring the building’s historical features.
- Enhanced Learning Experience: The creation of diverse learning spaces caters to the modern educational needs, enriching the student experience.
- Increased Property Value: The refurbishment adds value to the property and creates an asset for the community, serving as a landmark of Birmingham’s education sector.
