The Fraser Building
A central student services building at the heart of the campus of University of Glasgow.
The Fraser Building at University of Glasgow is a central facility that gathers 100% of student services in one location. Four of the Universities most frequently used services, Registry, Recruitment, Careers and International & Post Graduate Services have be relocated to a 120 seat open plan office within this building and the remaining services are represented virtually. The University project management team were keen to involve the staff in the design process and a group of 60 participants chosen from all of the services took part in workshops and consultation events where we encouraged them to explore the space using models and other interactive materials. This group were involved with all aspect of the interior design and graphic work, even choosing their own desk lamps! The building also supports the student community with a 420 seat restaurant, a GP surgery and a bookshop. Our design literally ties these services together with a 'ribbon'. An oak ribbon runs through each floor to deliver services to students while physically linking the floors with the same form. The ribbon provides a number of functions including delivering virtual services and providing orientation of the building. The building is located amid a wealth of beautiful architecture including neo-classical, art deco and gothic revival buildings and our concept seeks to highlight this special location while reflecting both the ancient and the modern achievements of the institution through 18 individual artworks generated using materials from the Universities archives and the Huntarian Museum.
LINK: www.gla.ac.uk/students/study/fraser/
11 March 2009
