Nomad overhauls Hub at Glasgow Uni

The University of Glasgow is embarking on a major £10m redevelopment of its focal point The Hub, which aims to inject life back into this currently disused 1960s building.

To work alongside the architect Page Park, Glasgow-based Nomad has been appointed, without a pitch, to carry out full interior and graphic design, navigation and exterior audio-visual artwork.

The consultancy has been tasked with producing an ‘innovative interior design’ that will help create a ‘modern, technology-savvy and flexible one-stop shop of frontline university services’.

Once completed, The Hub will have four levels, with a GP practice and bookstore on one, admissions, registry and careers on two, a café on three, and the fourth will be given over to informal zones for staff. Throughout the building ‘ribbon elements’ will create a flow of mobility and information.

‘We have tried to reflect the spirit of the university, says Nomad co-founder Val Clugston. ‘It is very traditional, but in many ways also very cutting edge. We have gone for something that will stand the test of time.’

The colour scheme is black-and-white, with oak to enhance the illustrative graphics. These will be used for navigation, and aim to be relevant for all students, many of whom speak English as a second language.

‘It is about visual literacy,’ says Clugston. ‘Different areas will be identified in different ways. For example, level two might use images of birds.’

Initial building work began in July and the project is due to complete in September 2008.

The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 and is the fourth oldest university in the UK. It has nearly 16 000 under-graduates, 4000 postgraduates and 4000 adults in continuing education.