The London Southbank Technical College’s STEAM center is a 10,000 sqm further education teaching facility for Construction, Science, Dental Technology, Engineering, Digital and Creative, IT, English, and Maths. The design comprises ten storeys of teaching, learning, and support space.

The ground and first floor include a deeper 2-storey section containing the main entrance space, cafe/social learning space, and large workshops for construction skills training. The remaining eight stories sit on a narrower, more traditional teaching floor plate which accommodates a range of general-purpose, IT, Science, Dental Technology, Digital and Creative, English, and Maths, located on either side of a circulation corridor.

Key features of the building are a series of double-height spaces that stack above one another. Starting with the reception area, these spaces provide learning resources and drop-in IT spaces higher up the building to support informal and collaborative learning.

Scope & Services

• Comprehensive Design Process: We conducted initial meetings to understand the client’s requirements and collect a detailed brief. We collaborated with the interior design team to develop innovative solutions, presenting ideas through REVIT 3D plans and detailed schedules. This facilitated accurate communication, quotation, and sign-off, ensuring flexibility, design, and quality aligned with the college’s vision.
• Product Selection and Finalisation: We arranged a showroom tour for the client to review and finalise product selections based on construction, comfort, and quality. We held a finishes meeting at the Portsmouth showroom to determine the desired finishes for a clean order and final quotation.
• Efficient Project Management: We managed the entire process from placing orders with manufacturers to delivery and installation. We addressed concerns about construction delays and worked closely with the client’s appointed Project Management team. We adapted to changing site restrictions, negotiated delivery routes, and provided regular site surveys and reports. We implemented a phased installation plan, ensuring a successful handover and close collaboration with the client’s IT team.

Success Points

Successful Delivery and Installation: Despite construction delays, we adapted to new timelines and arranged temporary storage when necessary. We completed the delivery and installation of furniture for two floors initially and later successfully delivered and installed the remaining eight floors during a phased handover.

Effective Communication and Collaboration: We maintained efficient communication with the Project Management team from Fulkers, aiding them with site surveys and reports for each phase. We addressed challenges and worked closely with the team to ensure a smooth process.

Satisfactory Completion and User Satisfaction: We completed snagging and resolved issues within the delivery plan. Students moved into the new STEAM building in March 2023, expressing satisfaction with the furniture choices and finishes. The Executive Principal and her team were delighted with the successful outcome, creating a fantastic learning environment.