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CP906: Integrated Workshops: Designing environments


The new Technology block

With the short and medium term goals achieved, in 2008 it was time for the implementation of the long-term goals through a complete redevelopment of the Technology Block. An architect used by the college to design the new Language block was commissioned to work with Matthew to develop the plans for the proposed major upgrade planned for later in the year.

Consultation with all stakeholders continued to be vital throughout this year, says Matthew. "2008 was a year of many meetings and multiple presentations that sought to communicate with a wide and varied audience the perceived needs of the department and how they were planning to address them."

During this time Matthew found that the changes that had already been put in place had created a fundamental shift in attitude towards the subject of Technology, creating a new vision and a re-evaluation of the subject both within the department and from the rest of the school. "Matching the interim changes with the Department's development plan was highly effective in explaining and demonstrating the ethos of Technology, and helped change the view of the subject within the college. The displays and design stations in the workshops had begun to break down the 'old' stereotypical image of wood and metal workrooms."

The redevelopment would comprise:

  • The creation of a new workshop purpose-built to deliver Gateway projects and new courses. The shortage of workshop space had been identified as a major issue. New Courses such as Gateway clashed with existing Technology classes and required workshop space to expand.
  • A design and creation of a new entrance to the Technology block that 'sets the scene' and impresses, including the creation of a courtyard and the development of an entrance foyer, and display cabinets for student work in the foyer, corridors and workshops. This objective was fundamental to all that Matthew visualised and aimed to elevate student and parent perception of Technology. "I wanted to exhibit work that would engender feelings of excitement, wonder and desire, proclaiming that Technology was a vibrant subject and one worthy of attracting the best students in the College," said Matthew.
  • Extending the computer pod from 18 to 30 stations. Matthew's intention was to have direct access to a full complement of computers, enough to meet the needs of one full Graphics class.
  • Creating new pods of specialist activity, including:
    • a ceramic chip forge/brazing hearth pod;
    • a laser cutting pod;
    • an enamelling and plastic heat treatment pod;
    • an aluminium casting pod; and
    • a spray booth and extraction pod.
  • The introduction of pods has many benefits: activities are focussed in one area and can be closely monitored, other students cannot easily interfere, safety is enhanced and demonstrations can be performed to several students standing behind the glass, outside the pod. Fumes and heat can be limited to specific areas and noise can be reduced.
  • Partitioning off the heavy machine areas in both workshops using workshop-wide sliding doors, heavily insulated to reduce transmission of noise and dust. This was to be part of a major overall objective of sound-proofing the noise-making technological activities to create an integrated environment where multiple activities could take place – designing, modelling, machining, testing and evaluating.
  • Developing two new design/modelling workshops as predominantly dry areas.
  • Installing ceiling-mounted projectors in all workshops for laptop use. These had long been an integral part of the development plan, but could not be installed until Matthew could guarantee the reduction of dust.
  • The design and development of new multi-material workstations that facilitated easy transition between wood/metal/plastics/electronics. Changing from one media to another could be achieved quickly with the right systems and purpose-built furniture in place. Matthew sought out and tested existing solutions and prepared detailed specifications for these workstations to be assembled locally to order.
  • Designing and installing new tool storage facilities/display including secure, lockable cupboards with easy referencing of hand tools and specialist equipment.
  • The development of new storage facilities for project work, with both ease of access and security, designed in modules to provide multiple spaces of varying sizes.
  • Creating a new department staff office, to achieve greater prominence within the department and with the space required for staff forums.
  • The allocation of space for interactive displays, to be part of a future budgeting round.
  • Graphic rooms to be re-equipped – although not a part of the main infrastructure change, this remained high on the agenda.

Original floor plan | Updated floor plan

Room T2 – Wood workshop: (click image to enlarge)

Original setup
Room T2, 'Original' plans

Planned changes
Room T2, 'After' plans

Room T8 – Metal workshop: (click image to enlarge)

Original setup
Room T8, 'Original' plans

Planned changes
Room T8, 'After' plans