A vibrant campus with a wide-ranging curriculum

Wiltshire College & University Centre, Chippenham Campus

Location Chippenham
Client Wiltshire College

Brief history

AWW initially worked with Wiltshire College on a range of projects to upgrade their Trowbridge Campus. These included a new glazed link building, a Learning Resource Centre, workshops and performing arts facilities. Following the success of the new entrance project at the Trowbridge Campus, AWW was appointed to design the new campus at Chippenham.

Our vision

We envisaged a building where the cellular spaces are configured around a central full height atrium and traditional corridors were avoided. Connectivity was key.

Delivering the design

The three distinct wings of this landmark building accommodate specialist hair and beauty, engineering and art/ media departments, alongside a range of general teaching, learning and support accommodation and a state-of-the-art conference facility. Planning consent for this major development was secured through delegated authority and it was delivered without compromising the ongoing operational capability of the College.

Wellbeing

The project is designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and to BIM Level 2. This £15m new build campus includes a triple height entrance atrium, refectory kitchen and dining facility with a coffee bar.

User experience

The design of the main stair provides an opportunity for promoting social interaction; somewhere to pause and share ideas.

Art classroom

The three distinct wings of this landmark building accommodate specialist hair and beauty, engineering and art/ media departments, alongside a range of general teaching, learning and support accommodation and a state-of-the-art conference facility.

Film and media production

Wiltshire College has specialised classrooms for teaching media, television and film. Their facilities include a range of specialist single-camera equipment and accessories, bespoke TV and green-screen studios.

I am extremely pleased to be able to build on our close relationship with Wiltshire College that has developed over a number of years. This project was a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform further education facilities in Chippenham and to contribute to the wider economic regeneration of the area, and we are very excited to be part of it.

David Perkin, Director

Atrium

The full height atrium becomes the social focal point of the building; enabling views up, down and across the void, exploiting the 'theatre' of movement and promoting interaction and informal learning.

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