Social community spaces.
The Hub is already a success and a hugely popular, well used facility.
Founded in 1927, the University of Hull is renowned for its commitment to excellence and offering a transformative experience for its students. The ambition is to create opportunities to nurture both ‘heart and head’ – an environment to develop personally, socially, and academically.
What were the challenges?
The university had identified a space on the first floor of the Student Central building which could potentially offer a new social and community hub away from café, bars, and teaching facilities. The challenge was to offer students a place to relax, meet friends, study, or attend events with the aim of creating a calming, contemporary interior inspired by the biophilic elements and nature-themed aesthetic.
How did we overcome the challenges?
Working in collaboration with multiple departments from the University of Hull, Southernsbroadstock has successfully helped to create an inclusive environment which encompasses a series of individual areas whilst maintaining a rhythm of common elements to unite the overall theme. Spatial character focuses on allowing students to choose a space according to their preference. The use of open room dividers provides a zoning system yet avoids solid barriers enabling the flow of natural daylight and visual continuity.
The biophilic approach and overall aesthetic has created a space that is more timeless as well as highly practical.
What was the outcome?
The design focus is centred on the importance of inclusion, wellness, and a people-centric approach – a space where people want to be and benefit from being in.
Mindful of the ambition for greater inclusivity, the interior layout creates a series of diverse settings to accommodate different user needs. Soft seating, occasional chairs and tables form areas for smaller groups and collaborative spaces whereas as larger tables are available for communal facilities. In addition, the use of multi-height furniture, such as bench tables and poseur height seating, together a choice of options, allows students to select what’s most practical, appropriate, and comfortable.
Versatility and future proofing have also been key considerations. Freestanding and mobile furniture offers the flexibility to reconfigure the space to accommodate events and future, evolving requirements.
Integrating the principles of biophilic design, the finishes palette for the furnishings of green tones and natural materials is complemented by the impressive statement wall graphics with visual references to nature. The overall impact is further enhanced by the introduction of real planting throughout the space. During the warmer months, students can also benefit from the adjoining external space with a choice of outdoor furniture.
The focus on inclusivity seeks to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing and support a sense of belonging within the student community.
Delivery social and wellbeing focused environments.
“Third Places are the important informal places between the first place home; and the second place; work”*
The UoH Space Team is working to improve free access to welcoming, student appropriate, third place space on- campus. Within the surrounding area there is a lack of this type of environment.
Whether you need to study, eat, chat or simply to sit somewhere a bit warmer than your own home, a neutral third space can help promote a better work-life balance and improve social inclusion and mental wellbeing.”
*Ray Oldenburg – Urban Sociologist, 1980
Testimonial.
“Southernsbroadstock have enabled the University to create a unique inclusive space so students can come alone, or in groups to relax, study and socialise. This unique space has been transformational for our students. The furniture was key to zoning a large open space, to create a feeling of openness, whilst creating clusters for students to use and adapt. We couldn’t be happier with the end result and aligned exactly to our vision for the space”.
*Robert Labrom,
Head of Programme, Space and Property
Estates and Facilities – Infrastructure Services
