A new student and staff space has opened in the Humanities department; transforming the former administration office into a vibrant area for Humanities staff and students to collaborate, socialise and share ideas.
Located on the 11th floor of Owen building, the multi-use space has flexible seating areas, informal co-working zones, fully equipped accessible kitchen facilities and height adjustable desk spaces that overlook our picturesque city centre.The room demonstrates how collaboration can power productivity; providing staff and students with a choice of settings that will accommodate flexible working. Several booths have also been installed for small groups to work together, along with quiet study spaces, closed meeting rooms, and social drop-in areas that promote peer support.
The contemporary and stylish area is complemented with a range of innovative furniture items, including a bespoke two-tier forum-style seating area, moveable storage unit and quirky red telephone box. The flexibility of design will allow the space to be easily altered and able to host a variety of activities such as staff/student social events and student led events such as dissertation celebrations, introductions and wellbeing activities. In the coming months, the Humanities corridor will also feature pieces of artwork representing the department and their core values, research and student work.
The area has been brought to life by the work of Natalie Jeffcock (Humanities Department Manager) and Carolyne Ryder (Faculty Accommodation Manager), who pursued the vision to create a community space that would bring departmental staff and students together. It is hoped that the new environment will facilitate the culture of collaboration between students and staff, with the relaxed atmosphere encouraging more informal but fruitful conversations.
The new social space will officially launch later this year – but is currently open for staff and students to enjoy.
