IBI Nightingale inspire students at Oxford Spires Academy

Education Tue, Mar 22, 2016 5:27 PM

IBI Nightingale inspire students at Oxford Spires Academy

The IBI Nightingale designed Reuben Business Centre at Oxford Spires Academy in Oxford has officially been opened by Lord Krebs and British businessman and philanthropist David Reuben.

The £8.2-million centre is a beacon for excellence, providing a range of first-class facilities including; ITC, business enterprise, science laboratories, research hub, sixth form centre, PE classrooms and 330-seat lecture theatre.

A three-storey renovation and extension, the design transforms an existing 1960s teaching block into an uniquely identifiable building; wrapping itself around the existing structure to draw visitors into its impressive atrium.

Central to this spacious and naturally lit void is an ICT research hub designed to encourage student self development, interaction and collaboration outside of the classroom. Adaptable to academic and social activities, this formal but contemporary space also appeals to the local adult education and business community.

“The Academy’s philosophy is to treat its students as young adults, preparing them for the world of work. As designers we have supported these educational aspirations throughout the design.  Exterior and interior materials, branding and colour palettes have been chosen to create a professional and mature appearance, emulating a high quality workplace environment that achieves respect from its users,” said Stuart Ward, Project Architect at IBI Nightingale.

Resonating around the research hub are inspirational interpretations on the Academy’s strap-line; ‘be the best you can be’.  The design uses super-graphics and lingual manifestations to promote a sense of belonging and make students feel inspired by their surroundings.

“Designing a space that inspired student achievement was a shared goal for both the Academy and the design team.  In a pilot study by the University of Salford and IBI Nightingale it was found that the classroom environment can affect a child’s academic progress over a year by as much as 25%. Working alongside our research team, IBI THiNK we carefully planned classroom orientation, flexibility, colour, natural light, noise, temperature, air quality to positively impact both teaching and learning,” said Martha McSweeney, Harwell Office Principal.

“The Ruben Business Centre is absolutely stunning. The impressive combination of the old and the new creates a light, airy and fluid space that delivers professional and productive learning spaces for our students and local community.  Inspiring inside and out, it encourages good behaviour, pride and ownership; we are overwhelmed by the quality of design,” said Sue Croft, Principal Oxford Spires Academy.

The vision for the Reuben Business Centre is to support skills for life and future success, especially within business. Part-funded by a donation from the Reuben Foundation, IBI Nightingale alongside the contactor Kier designed and built the scheme within 18 months.

Featured News

Specification news
TRILUX Supports Flexible Learning Spaces in N Family...

N Family Club, a leader in early years education, partnered with TRILUX to deliver a...

Read More >>

Specification news
Quietly reflecting on the UK’s first GenZero school

St Mary's Voluntary Catholic Academy in Derby is the first completed school in the UK...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Vertical radiators complete range Brochure

Vertical radiators c...
By Myson

Download Now >>

Myson Radiant Heating Premium underfloor heating systems Brochure

Myson Radiant Heatin...
By Myson

Download Now >>

Which heat emitter is the right one? Brochure

Which heat emitter i...
By Myson

Download Now >>

Sustainable heating solutions for renovation Brochure

Sustainable heating...
By Myson

Download Now >>

Rearo Tradeline Brochure

Rearo Tradeline
By Rearo

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

DUOFLEX
DUOFLEX

DUOFLEX is a high quality elastomeric bitumen, hot bonded to the substrate incorporating the fleece...

Read More >>

TECSOUND
TECSOUND

TECSOUND is a polymer based, bitumen-free, high-density synthetic membrane. The combination of its...

Read More >>

ISOLAIR MULTI
ISOLAIR MULTI

ISOLAIR MULTI is a natural and ecological vapour-permeable, windproof and water-repellent thermal...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Our SUSTAINABILITY Roadmap
Our SUSTAINABILITY Roadmap

Myson has a clear sustainability strategy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)...

Watch Now >>

Sustainable Energy Efficient Solutions
Sustainable Energy Efficient Solutions

From radiators and underfloor heating to ceiling convectors and towel warmers, Myson is the UK’s...

Watch Now >>

UNISENZA PLUS Smart Controls_The complete system solution
UNISENZA PLUS Smart Controls_The complete system solution

With Unisenza Plus Smart Controls you can easily monitor and control all linked heating products via...

Watch Now >>