The Atrium: Phase Two Proposals

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Architects’ impression of the proposed improvements to the Atrium


Introduction

The Atrium is our largest and most significant indoor place, bringing together students, visitors and staff from all parts of the University to eat, drink and socialise, and increasingly, to learn. As the great common room of the University, the Atrium accommodates events and gatherings of all kinds, from election hustings to tea parties to international conferences, throughout the year.

As announced in August 2012, we are upgrading your Atrium to increase comfort, capacity and functionality. The upgrade will be in two phases, this year and next.

Phase One (stripout, redecoration and refurnishing) is well underway:

  • The former coffee bar and welfare facilities have been removed, and temporary welfare facilities for Catering staff have been provided.
  • The Atrium and the landings on the first, second and third floors were repainted in August.
  • We’ve ordered the new furniture and this will arrive in October.

Phase Two is more ambitious and complex, involving some exciting major alterations next summer. Now that the new term has started, we would like to share our work-in-progress proposals with you and invite your comments, questions and suggestions via the comments form (below) and the @LincolnEstates Twitter account. Your feedback will be shared with the architects and project team as an important part of the design development process.


Entrances: a warm welcome for everyone

The original design of the building’s entrances creates an east-west ‘wind tunnel’ with the entrance doors often open simultaneously. As a result, the Atrium can become very cold in winter, despite the underfloor heating. To reduce draughts and increase temperatures in winter, we are proposing to introduce new entrance lobbies at the east and west ends of the building as part of Phase Two, as shown below. Revolving doors will maintain a constant seal against draughts, with push-pad entry for wheelchair users.

Architects’ sketch of one of the proposed new entrance lobbies

 

Upstairs, downstairs – improving space and comfort

We plan to clarify and declutter the ‘internal street’ through the building at ground floor level by moving the staircases off the main axis, over to the east and west walls of the Atrium. New pods on each side of the servery entrance will house a coffee bar for high-quality hot drinks, an improved vending area for 24×7 refreshments, and the relocated cash tills for the servery.

Architects’ impression of the improved servery entrance (centre), vending area (left) and coffee bar (right)


New soft seating areas adjacent to the coffee bar and vending area will provide further options for students, staff and visitors, protected from the circulation by new glazed screens.

The repositioned staircases will lead up to two new comfortable seating areas on the first floor. We’re planning to call these areas One East and One West. These will be descendents of the successful Learning Lounges in the David Chiddick (Business & Law) Building, providing gathering and breakout spaces for student and staff use before, during and after formal teaching sessions in the 19 seminar rooms on this floor. We know that many students gather on the existing first floor landings, and in the corridors outside MB1001-09 and MB1010-17. One East and One West will be much more pleasant, with comfortable seats, groupwork tables, and power sockets for charging your technology. Arrive early to catch up with classmates; stay between seminars to relax or compare notes. Seminar groups will also be able to break out into One East and One West for multiple parallel conversations, before returning to their seminar rooms for plenary discussions.

 

Architects’ impression of the coffee bar and vending areas, and the new first floor seating areas, One East and One West (see also image at top of article for a different perspective)

 

Busier but quieter – acoustically engineering the Atrium

Acoustic studies of the existing Atrium confirmed and quantified what we already knew: the Atrium was too loud and echoic, with excessive background noise levels (56 decibels from café and vending plant when empty and 62-64 dB when occupied)  and peak levels of 80dBA generated primarily by metal chair legs scraping on the tiled floor. In terms of echoes, the average reverberation time is 3.49 seconds, against a recommended level of 1.50 seconds. We’re planning to reduce background noise and reverb times significantly through this project, making for easier, quieter conversations. The Phase One furniture arriving in October will help, as will the introduction of acoustically absorbent panels throughout the space. These may be mounted on the undersides of existing and proposed walkways and landings; and directly on and / or suspended from the ceiling:

We also plan to introduce a new floor covering on the ground floor, on top of the existing heated tiles. Samples of several flooring options are on display in the Atrium now.

 

Your voice

More than ever, we want the new Atrium to be a venue for creation as well as consumption – a major node in the network of places for learning and teaching across campus. Our proposals will develop over the coming months and we will share updates with you on this blog as well as on the printed display in the corner of the Atrium.

We would like to invite your comments, suggestions and questions regarding the above proposals. Please use the form below, or tweet @LincolnEstates if you prefer.

Thank you for participating.

* * *

Project architects: Core Architects

Acoustic consultants: Sharps Redmore Partnership

93 thoughts on “The Atrium: Phase Two Proposals”

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  7. Can the floor of the extended 1st floor seating areas be glass instead of hideous concrete? It will also help keep the underneath naturally lit, without having to use lights (waste of electricity, not as nice)

    Also, why the gap between the two new sections? Seems like you might as well join these sections and have even more space. This, combined with glass flooring, would be much nicer and much more functional.

    Also, consider that the seating areas, as they currently are, will mostly be used by students waiting for lectures in the opposite rooms. More space for staff to meet and discuss things would be advantageous.

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  8. Looks great. All very promising but acoustic improvements are particularly welcome. Re floor coverings: inevitably people will take coffee upstairs and spill it, so ensure that the surfaces will be washable and won’t stain!

    On a slightly different but connected issue — I agree with the comment above that to complement this shared social space and learning landscape, which is fundamental to the ethos of student involvement, there is long overdue need for a senior common room. Without prejudice to the other exciting developments proposed, a space is needed where academic staff can, when appropriate (or as a matter of choice), meet informally to forge relationships that will lead to the interdisciplinarity, cooperation, mutual understanding, collaboration, and internal sense of professional standing that will underpin the success of the University’s impressive and realisable ambitions. Indeed, in this business-oriented H.E. climate, it’s worth pointing out that you don’t often see Marks & Spencer management and shop floor staff having either coffee breaks or work-related meetings alongside customers in the store coffee shop.

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    • Thanks, Nigel. It’s interesting to see the different weightings people place on the various aspects of the scheme. The acoustic improvements really are vital and I’ll pass your comment regarding floor coverings to the architects and project manager.

      Regarding staff common room space – it’s been difficult to identify a location for a University-wide staff common room. There are places in Bridge House, the David Chiddick Building and the Engineering Building which, although not exclusively for staff, tend to attract mostly staff and postgraduate students. Do you have a preferred location in mind for a staff common room?

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      • Best place, I would have thought, is unused roof terrace between Finance and HR.

        Would require access to be opened up, but would provide space for (1) plate-glass conservatory concept (similar to exterior of Tower Bars), or (2) wooden-clad structure similar to new restaurant on mooring in front of Odeon, or (3) continuation of existing curved ‘barn’ roofs — without affecting the skyline of the building

        – faces north, so climate control reasonably easy
        – central, yet fairly secluded
        – fantastic view: would make statement and render location attractive
        – wouldn’t take up any existing space
        – wouldn’t affect light to Atrium
        – needn’t impact too much on existing views from top balcony (which is a rarely-used corridor anyway as most action takes place behind closed doors on that part of the floor)

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        • Thank you, Nigel. I agree that this location makes a great deal of sense. There are several possible uses for the space, which is pretty significant – about 300 square metres. We’ll be publishing some proposals for this space fairly soon.

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  9. Looks great & good that this is shared to enable comments.

    I think managing the noise and movement flows near the teaching space on the first floor is very important when considering the design of the new soft seating areas.

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    • Indeed, especially as the opposing rooms are often used for exams. Even last year when I was in that room (now those rooms) for exams the noise was hard to block out. With seating areas directly outside these rooms, this is another issue which will need to be addressed.

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      • Thanks, Paul and Dale. Agreed – noise has been a real problem in MB1019 and MB1020. We’ve installed air-conditioning equipment in both rooms this summer, and we’re finding that users are now leaving the windows closed during seminars, which certainly helps a great deal with noise.

        The new first floor areas will further shield MB1019 and MB1020 from the noisy ground floor, while also introducing some new noise and visual distractions. We’re planning to add a frosted vinyl privacy film to the glass walls of MB1019 and MB1020 to block distracting eye-to-eye sightlines while leaving clear panes above standing eye height and below seated eye height.

        The acoustic improvements to the Atrium as a whole should also help.

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  10. It does all look rather appealing and I agree the acoustic improvements will be a blessing, particularly for those with hearing impairments. At peak times, the Atrium is a no-go area if you wish to talk with anyone.

    From the plans displayed above, I do have a few reservations about accessibility rights for persons with disabilities. Currently, there is a series of bar stool height seating in the Atrium which is ideal if you have lumbar spinal issues. Lowering into and sitting comfortably on average or lower than average height seating (i.e. sofas) is impossible, as is trying to rise again from said seating. Hopefully, provision has been made to retain some form of bar stool height seating or introduce appropriate orthopaedic support seating.

    Also, there are known significant difficulties of navigating around the extant restrictive layout of tables and chairs in the Atrium if a person has limited visual capacity, mobility and/or is a wheelchair user. Lack of consideration in replacing chairs under tables after use, placement of bags on the floor and trailing wires to laptops adds to this issue.

    I note the new Atrium plans illustrate some ‘loose’ seating areas and unfortunately, experience shows that the ‘loose’ seating can quickly become potential hazards and barriers if you have limited mobility or visual capacity. The lack of due care and attention from previous users to ensure a reasonable passage of access between the ‘loose’ seating is a common occurrence.

    As the above issues have a tendency to exclude certain individuals from enjoying the facilities on offer at the University, it would be most helpful to know if the ‘persons with disabilities conventions’ have already been considered in the new layout for the Atrium please?

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks, Fen. I will share your comments with the architects and project manager so that these specific points can be taken into consideration during the detailed design phase.

      We do need to provide a mix of seating types and heights. The new furniture arriving next week will reduce clutter and increase visual contrast. Regarding trailing wires, the built-in power sockets in the new first floor areas will be located to prevent trip hazards.

      Reply ↓

  11. Ensuring that the teaching areas are sound insulated from the general noise in the atrium is absolutely vital. Coupled with this is the need for adequate ventilation in teaching rooms. With the windows of the Learning Landscapes rooms open, then external noise disrupts learning sessions. With them shut then in Sumer the rooms become very stuffy. This is particularly critical during examinations.

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    • Thanks, Garry. We have noticed this as well, and have installed air-conditioning systems in MB1019 and MB1020 this summer to provide air cooling and air movement. We’ve also introduced living plants and aroma diffusers to detoxify and freshen the air, so there should now be no need to open the windows onto the Atrium. This should greatly reduce noise levels in MB1019 and MB1020.

      Reply ↓

  12. Looks great, I really like the idea of using the space to provide more areas for people to sit. As well as the new improved lobbies, another good idea.

    One quick question, with the introduction of the seating areas on the 1st floor will there be enough room for trolley and delivery access to the ICT office on the NW side? As well as being able to trasnport equipment to and from the comms rooms?

    Other than that, keep up the good work.

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  13. Plans look amazing! Will make the Atrium a nice place to spend time with colleagues socially during breaks or for a one to one session. I dont use the Atrium at the moment as it does get very cold and noisy so the Lobby’s are a great idea. Will provide a really nice, welcoming area for staff, students and also prospective members of staff attending for interview. Look forward to seeing the end result!

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  14. These look very impressive in terms of style and design.

    I’ve some concerns however about the build up of traffic outside the Lecture theatre space (formerly known as the Cargill/CoOp/Jackson). At particular times of the day it can be very difficult to navigate through those waiting to enter the Lecture theatres. Are there any plans to make any changes in this regard?

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    • Thanks, Lisa.

      The lecture theatre entrances do get very crowded during changeovers. The main cause is that students tend to gather outside the lecture theatres well before preceding groups have left.

      We really need lectures in the Cargill, Co-op and Jackson lecture theatres to finish promptly at ten to the hour so that students can exit and the following group can enter. It would also be helpful if students could wait elsewhere – for example, in the main part of the Atrium. Making this area more comfortable should help to encourage this, but we really need teaching staff to help by encouraging students to arrive at these spaces just in time and leave promptly.

      Reply ↓

  15. I’d just like to echo a couple of the comments regarding the laptop bars and accessibility. The space does get crowded and have we properly checked accessibility for wheelchair users and those with visual impairment? I imagine the environment is better as furniture is much more easily moved around (by staff re-organising) and by the users. However would be useful to double check beyond just the basic levels of accessibility and ensure that it’s a nice space.

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks, Wesley. Yes – we aim to go well beyond compliance with the DDA and Equalities Act in designing University facilities for accessibility, and we will revisit all of these issues as we move from conceptual to detailed design over the next weeks.

      Reply ↓

  16. I met a colleague in the atrium at 11:00am and it was difficult to find a seat: clearly it’s successful! A few comments came to mind whilst sat there:

    1. the definition between the white tables and the red soft furniture may be improved with large plants, lights or some other device;
    2. In such a large space, the furniture seems small–at the same level. How about large trees (banana) to represent the scale;
    3. A comfortable temperature would help, unfortunately our BMS does not manage this, so regular inspections to check for ‘overcoats’ needs to be done to regulate the temperature;
    4. The layout needs to be returned to it’s initial position every day–Groundhog Day every day 🙂
    5. The tables with the sofa’s seem low for laptop use or collaborative working–is there something that could be provided for laptops–including raising the power from the floor boxes tt the table top (and data?)

    Lovely job so far, thanks.

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks, Gary – yes, it seems very successful so far.

      The layout has shifted somewhat and I understand the project team is ordering some additional furniture to more fully exploit the available space – it’s always hard to tell exactly how things will fit until they’re in situ.

      The thermal issues won’t be fully addressed until Phase Two. In the meantime the maintenance team is keeping a close eye on the the temperature.

      Phase Two will also change the verticality of the space, creating more of a tiered effect, and we’re looking to introduce some high bars for laptop users with integrated power, as seen in the David Chiddick Building.

      Reply ↓

    • Thanks, Leigh. I had the *exact* same thought around 3:15pm yesterday walking through the Atrium! Spooky.

      As part of Phase Two, it would be great to incorporate Cloud Desktop terminals along with high bar space for laptop users. We would also need to locate some of each type of workspace at standard desk height for people unable to use the high-level seating.

      I’ll discuss this with the project manager and architects and ask that it be considered as part of the Phase Two design process.

      Were you thinking of doing something prior to Phase Two (i.e. during this academic year)?

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          • They come in both flavours. So far we have only used the ethernet version as these ensure the best experience (and are a bit cheaper). But a wi-fi model could be an option if network ports are going to be difficult.

          • Ah, that’s good to know… Yes – Ethernet will be easily installed along the walls as part of Phase Two, but if we wanted to do something temporary it would be best to use the Wi-Fi flavour.

            PS. We also need to think about cleaning if we’re going to deploy in a food service area. Who would clean the machines?

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