Shaping St Andrew’s

Pupil and Staff Involvement in the Design Process

The success of a building project is determined by its users. Mindful of this, Julia Bond, Capital Programme Manager, has engaged with the staff-level users from the outset. The building has been shaped and designed with those teaching and learning intentions at the centre of the decision-making.

We are so fortunate to have access to such a beautiful historical building at the heart of our campus and to have the opportunity to transform it into a contemporary workspace. It has been fascinating to be involved in the design process and to see the concept evolve because of staff and pupil feedback. This tight collaboration will ensure that St Andrew’s, a mix of study environments, will support the pupils’ learning throughout their time at Bradfield.

Neil Burch, Senior Master

Now that we are at the stage of bringing those concepts to life in the building, Julia is once again reaching out to staff users included in the original studies as well as inviting some Sixth Form pupils to attend a series of workshops to help shape the delivery of the design concept.

St Andrew’s will transform the study environment for pupils, so it’s absolutely right that they have a say

Julia Bond, Capital Programme Manager

The workshops have given pupils the ability to influence the furniture proposals which are fundamental to the way in which the different spaces within St Andrew’s will be used and recently visited the recently refurbished Reading University Library for inspiration.

Knowing that she was going to be part of the process, Bella took the initiative and sought the opinion of girls from all different year groups in her house.

I was keen to make sure that my contribution was as valuable as possible, so I polled everyone in my house for their views on what a good study space would be like and brought their views to the table. I am delighted to be able to play my part in the process. It means a lot to know that our opinion is valued and will make a difference in the outcome of the project.

Bella, lower sixth

Meanwhile, Tom saw dual benefits to his involvement in the process.

It was great to be involved, not only from the perspective of having the ability to influence our future study space, but also to see the level of thought that was going into the design process. I am studying Design and it is a great opportunity to be part of the processes that I have been studying. It has given me excellent insight into what having a career in design entails in practice.

Tom, lower sixth

Now that the furniture provider has been selected, further meetings and possible site/ showroom visits will be scheduled to allow the team to be involved in the selection of the actual furniture that will be purchased for the project.