亚色视频 opens stunning new library

Thu 13 October, 2016
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The University of Bedfordshire will open its stunning new library today (Thurs 13 Oct).  Set out over seven floors and costing 拢46m it has transformed the University鈥檚 Luton campus.

The forms part of a five year investment to re-generate the University鈥檚 estates totalling 拢180m.  This includes its Postgraduate and CPD centre on the Luton campus, the stunning teaching and learning Gateway building at its Bedford campus, and a new building in Luton devoted to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, which is expected to break ground later this year.

Luton Campus Library - infographic

Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor 亚色视频 said at the opening: 鈥淭hese new buildings have transformed our campuses, bringing our learning environments up to date and creating new spaces for our students and staff to interact and learn in.

鈥淭hey have also generated significant investment and created jobs in Luton and Bedford.鈥

The University鈥檚 students have been fully involved the design of their new learning environment. 鈥淲e wanted to ensure,鈥 said the Vice Chancellor 鈥渢hat it was fit for purpose for their real learning, not how we think they ought to learn.鈥


While the students did say they wanted a quiet space for personal learning the 亚色视频 also recognised from their feedback that designing a library for the 21st century is not straightforward. Students said they needed to use their new learning space to work in teams, prepare projects and presentations and apply their learning in a practical way.

Mr Rammell explained: 鈥淭he mission of this university is to expand educational opportunity, creating an excellent student experience that leads to excellent outcomes.

鈥淚f we are to deliver on that promise for this generation of students, we need to design learning spaces that can inspire, engage and support our students to achieve.鈥

has exceeded all expectations; designed by mosescameronwilliams architects and built by Willmott Dixon it is set out over seven floors and has:

  • 7400 meters square of library space
  • 154,000 books on 6km of shelves
  • Open 24/7
  • Laptops for loan
  • 530 PCs
  • 916 study spaces
  • 颁补蹿茅
  • Study Hub 鈥 where students can go for advice and guidance on academic and study skills

Colin Moses, Director at mosescameronwilliams architects, said: 鈥淭he Development Framework we produced for the 亚色视频 in 2007 sets out the long term strategy for the estate, and focuses on delivering projects which directly improve the student experience.

鈥淭he construction of the new library is an exciting continuation of our successful relationship with both the 亚色视频 and the design team involved in the campus redevelopment.鈥

Stephanie Hensman, Community Engagement Manager for Willmott Dixon, added: 鈥淔rom a construction point of view, the library is a terrific addition to the University campus. It is both unique and recognisable, and has the longevity and adaptability to be a key facility for the long term.

"We are delighted to have constructed this new University landmark and proud to be marking this key milestone in its development.鈥

The University鈥檚 Vice Chancellor concluded: 鈥淲e have high aspirations for our students and we expect they will achieve ambitious goals. This library will help make their ambitions a reality.鈥

Luton Campus Library - ground floor entrance interior

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