Curious Group restyle for university

Curious Group has been appointed following a six-way pitch to design the interiors and graphics for two learning centres at the University of Strathclyde.

The projects – worth £1.5m – form part of a long-term development programme currently being undertaken by the university and will go on-site in September.

CuriousGroup has been commissioned to design a ‘teaching cluster’ for the Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences located in the university’s Graham Hills building, as well as a ‘student and staff resource zone’ in the Livingstone Tower building.

‘We are looking to create a leading edge learning environment for university students [with] interesting, comfortable and hi-tech spaces. We want to get away from the institutional feel,’ says Joe Black, project architect on the scheme.

Curious Group has worked with the University of Strathclyde on a number of projects over the past six years, including its Sir William Duncan, James Weir and Thomas Graham buildings.

The consultancy is also completing designs for the £22m Glasgow Caledonian University Learning Centre. It was appointed at the beginning of the year following a three-way pitch (DW 13 January).

‘Ambient’ graphics for the centre are currently awaiting approval. The main service desk will feature LED screens and each floor will display ‘landmark’ elements, such as lap-top bars, to serve as informational and navigational points. Wireless technology has been installed to enhance the flexibility of the space.

The 9300m2 space is split into several areas, including a mezzanine entrance that hosts an exhibition space, a ground floor reception area and five floors of learning spaces, centred around an atrium.

The overall interior concept has been based on ‘the metaphor of a city’ and will feature café-style furniture and parasols. The project is due for completion in September 2006.