Mitchell High School

Community Resource Centre

  
       
 

 

 

The aim of the project was to create a resource centre to enable students and other members of the local community to access computer and library facilities. The scheme also intended to encourage learning and generate interest and the participation of after school extra curricular activities.

 
I assisted a senior architect design and manage a project to convert a metal and woodwork room into a IT suite and Library, situated on the ground floor of an existing 1950's school building at Mitchell High School, Bucknall, Stoke on Trent.
Space before conversion
       
   

Proposed Plan 1:100 @ A3

 
     

 
    Proposed Elevation 1:100 @ A3  
         
    Proposed Section 1:50 @ A3  
         
   

The buildings situation made planning difficult due to fire, security and service restraints, as the structure was largely unknown and drainage from the rooms above ran through the plan. Asbestos was also found in the existing pipe lagging.

  
Space after conversion
       
   

We proposed the creation of a central reception that would divide the space between the computer suite and library areas, this position enabled the whole of the space to be viewed and be secure at all times.

Coloured glass blocks were used to create points of reference and to define and identify access and escape routes.

 
       
    Combination uplighters were used to provide illumination to the spaces via the existing concrete coffers, this enabled the project to meet lighting levels set by a strict PFI performance specification  
       
    The high level services were raised and concealed within the existing concrete coffers with steel panels which also provided definition to the entrance space.  
       
   

A wall was positioned to ensure visitors would have to pass the reception in order to gain access to the spaces at the same time providing high level cross ventilation and minimising glare to the computer area.

  
       
   

The facility, along with other initiatives undertaken by the school have had a marked effect in the reduction of truancy and general anti social behaviour, the school has also benefited from increased exam performance.

The project later went on to win the Stoke-on-Trent Councils Citizen of the year award for Architectural Design 2003.

 
External elevation
       
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