Hayward-Midson Refurbishment

The Creative Precinct brief was to bring co-joined buildings into one pedagogic space, to act as a conduit for the re-definition of the learning happening within. The problem-solving and project-based nature of the subjects taught in the building was already heavily dependent on technological mediated learning, but now the school needed a space to appropriately bring the subjects together. The subsequent ‘open-studio ‘ design allowed students to occupy and transit between didactic teaching spaces, specialist technology-enabled workshops, and highly flexible inside and outside communal spaces. This dynamic cycle of occupation and transition has supported students as they navigate through the intuitive creative process. The design exploited the understanding that technology mediated, creative learning occurred with a range of people and through a variety of modalities. The studios and workshops are not tight, static, hierarchical cont ainers of learning, but social and inviting spaces that encourage a full utilisation of equipment and expertise throughout the building.

Issues of natural light penetration, energy efficiency, acoustic performance, dust-extraction, increased spatial requirements and equitable access had to be addressed as well as increased passive supervision requirements across specialised studios, open plan studio areas, and machinery work shop areas. A ‘blank canvas ‘ approach was adopted, and the existing internal of the existing 1970 ‘s constructed building were completely removed and the separating walls between the conjoined buildings were demolished.

Specialist Consultant input, especially in the areas of acoustic performance and integrated technology, was engaged to ensure that the various functions within the Precinct (from Machinery workshops to film, editing suites and open design lounges) did not impede the desired usage of any one area. The extensive use of acoustic glass, large sliding wall panels, and multiple break-out areas (both internal and external) have ensured an open, flexible facility, with a vast variety of learning and teaching modes, that encourages different disciplines and year groups to interact, collaborate in a very real and positive way.