Students build on future of university
Posted: 20 March 2019
One of the UK’s largest universities has drafted in students from West Nottinghamshire College to help them with a future building challenge.
Eight students from the BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction and The Built Environment course were invited to Sheffield Hallam University to take part in the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Student Challenge Day.
The university is in the early stages of a 20-year refurbishment project with the initial five-year scheme costing in the region of £200 million. The university invited teams from colleges in the region for a tour and to see the construction plans in place.
Seven college groups met with staff and industry leaders to put their ideas forward for regenerating the main eating spaces at the university – known as the ‘Heartspace’ – considering how the refurbishment would take place ensuring minimal disruption to students, considering plant and machinery and the aesthetics of the building.
The winning group of West Notts students impressed judges with their attention to detail of the ‘Heartspace’, ensuring it considered mental health and wellbeing for staff and students at the university. Their designs incorporated a fish tank, an 11 meter high living wall and the inclusion of rainwater harvesting.
Students Sumanjit Kaur Johal, Holly Seals, Joseph Riley and Archie Lewis also included a steel heart design, made from recycled steel which reflects Sheffield’s steel heritage.
Sumanjit said: “At the start of the competition we felt quite prepared and confident as we’d had some time to discuss our initial ideas. It really stretched our creativity and I liked presenting our ideas. I enjoyed the marshmallow and spaghetti construction challenge in between the competitions for a bit of fun and I was delighted to win the ‘best female’ trophy!
“It was good going to a university and representing West Notts College. We were proud to win three awards out of four on the day.”
Student progress mentor Sallyann Winslow said: “The students worked very well as a team and put their ideas together professionally. They were a real credit to the college. The judges acknowledged their consideration of mental health as well as the environmental factors. They really did cover all bases with their creative ideas.”