Category Archive: Universities

1. The University of Sheffield collaborate with Select Wayfinding for Velocity 2

   12 November 2015 12:51 pm Comments Off on The University of Sheffield collaborate with Select Wayfinding for Velocity 2

   The start of the University year has seen the opening of Velocity 2, a new build part of The University of Sheffield’s commitment to growing and developing their teaching facilities. Velocity 2 is part of the Velocity Village and provides a modern, urban environment for the Sheffield community and Sheffield as a whole.

   Sheffield University have bought Velocity 2 as part of a long term plan to compete with the best universities in the country.  The new facilities based on Solly Street provides the University with new space for teaching, lectures, science, social learning and administration. Delivering a fresh and modern environment for future generations of students.

   The multimillion pound refurbishment also includes accommodation for around 900 students. Watson Batty Architects were chosen to act as lead Architect on the site. Internal conversions were also designed to allow for flexible teaching spaces. There will also be new teaching accommodation for University of Sheffield International College.

   Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK) were commissioned to provide a wayfinding strategy for the new environment. It was important for the team to understand Velocity 2 as part of a larger complex – Velocity Village. Both the exterior and interior wayfinding was incorporated into an integrated strategy.

   The signage specification was chosen to be flexible in order to suit the needs of the building into the future. This means any further modifications to the build could easily be matched by the signage at little extra cost. The Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK) team also expressed the importance of sticking to brand guidelines, focusing on maintaining consistent brand imagery throughout the building.

   University wayfinding is a crucial part in creating solid first impressions, to create a more focused academic environment. The consultants have had many years of experience in understanding spatial awareness in man-made environments and harnessing strategies to aid user experience.

   

2. The Diamond – The University of Sheffield

   17 September 2015 1:49 pm Comments Off on The Diamond – The University of Sheffield

   The University of Sheffield is on the verge of revealing its latest flagship building this autumn. The Diamond building is said to have cost £81 million and is the largest investment in teaching and learning for the University. The name ‘diamond’ was chosen due to the distinctive diamond shaped wrap around the building. The project includes an intricate external façade formed in anodised aluminium. The new space will host specialist engineering facilities and include a range of seminar rooms and open plan learning spaces. Not to mention a brand new café to provide the student community a new place to eat.

   The building has been designed by Twelve Architects in partnership with Balfour Beatty Construction. The design of the building promotes new methods of teaching, including laboratories and flexible teaching spaces. Supporting the Faculty of Engineering’s world class reputation. The 6 story build will be capable of accommodating 5000 student study spaces. Such a large number a students making use of this building requires a detailed wayfinding analysis to determine the efficient movement of students within the facility.

   

   Interior under construction

   Select Wayfinding (Wayfinder UK) have been brought in to work with Sheffield University to form a wayfinding strategy for this prestigious building. The challenge has been to make this unique and modern space as intuitive as possible, whilst incorporating various screens and technology. As a result signage has been kept to a minimum, giving the impression of a high-tech building which embraces a natural flow of people. The signs which are present, have been designed to promote the University’s image, generating a positive brand experience. The university wayfinding strategy is simple yet effective, another example of Wayfinder’s work in the University sector.

   Once completed, it is estimated the building will provide 500 new jobs. Whilst contributing over £80 million to the local economy within the first 3 years of opening. The Diamond building will act as the jewel in the crown for the University and for the city. Positioning the university as a forward thinking organisation, dedicated to providing their students with quality facilities and education.