Core Architects and the Atrium Project Steering Group have now developed detailed designs for this summer’s Phase Two improvements to the Atrium. You can check out the designs below. Click on the plans to take a closer look, and let us know what you think in the comments. We’ll post further updates on the Learning Landscapes blog and @LincolnEstates on Twitter as the project progresses.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Atrium improvement programme, or if you’d like a refresher on the aims and scope of the scheme, you might like to read the earlier blog post on the Phase Two proposals. 

New entrances

The new east and west entrance lobbies reduce draughts and improve the thermal stability of the Atrium, making it more comfortable for  students, staff and visitors. Each lobby has a revolving door, automatic doors with push pads for wheelchair users, and fire escape doors for emergency egress.

Ground floor arrangement

The relocation of the stairwells as shown below opens up the ‘street’ which runs through the centre of the building, making it easier for students and staff to circulate between the Atrium and other spaces. The new coffee bar and cash tills are tucked into pods either side of the servery entrance, creating more space for circulation and soft seating. The existing alcoves in the northeast and northwest corners of the Atrium are enhanced with additional power and data for laptop and tablet users. The curved temporary welfare room is removed once new welfare facilities are provided in the kitchen area.

First floor arrangement

Two new learning lounges create much-needed additional comfortable seating for students and staff before, during and after their seminars and lectures. The lounges have handy power sockets, Wi-Fi and great views over the Brayford Pool and uphill Lincoln. On the existing landings, modular seating provides further comfortable seating while maintaining existing circulation routes in this busy area. A vending pod at the east end provides quick access to snacks and drinks between seminars.

Architects’ impressions

Below is a series of sketches which illustrate the new arrival sequence and circulation around the Atrium:

1. Approaching one of the new entrances.

2. Inside one of the new entrance lobbies, looking back at the revolving door.

3. The clarified internal ‘street’ through the building. Left: repositioned staircases and the Atrium itself. Centre-right: the new vending pod, servery till points, servery entrance, and coffee bar.

4. The new first floor learning lounges, linked to the existing landings and walkway and the repositioned stairs.