The Centre for Open Learning (COL) Resource Centre

The Space team were asked by the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Open Learning to create a new space to be named the Resource Centre for students to gather, study and learn in Paterson’s Land.

The space was previously used by COL reception however they were moving to a new location across campus. The brief was for a playful, vibrant, flexible space that didn’t feel like a typical learning environment. The students should feel at home in the space and feel inspired to learn. The Space team worked up the design proposal in close collaboration with some key users of COL to ensure the design was fit for purpose.

Key design features

Lots of custom-made book shelving fitted to walls with clever built in storage at upper level
Addition of real plants to bring the outdoors in
Variety of furniture types to give students choice
Maintained original wall panelling but enhanced with a blue-grey colour
Custom wall mural designed in collaboration with Art Pistol Projects which references the neighbouring Crags
Vibrant, but soft, colour scheme to inspire students to learn
Winged back soft armchairs to help absorb noise and provide privacy, particularly for students participating in a language tandem as COL offer lots of language courses
Flexible hexagonal stools with various colours, patterns and textures that can be moved around to accommodate various uses
Tables on castors to allow further flexibility within the space
Drawing/pin boards on wheels to facilitate group work and allow students to display and present their work, adding to the sense of community
Pinnable cork wall tiles in the corridor for COL to promote events, workshops, language tandems, courses etc. Cork is also a highly sustainable material and adds warmth to the space
Soft lighting at ceiling and floor level to create a soft glow, particularly at nighttime when the space is used
Pink entrance door to the Resource Centre to help signpost the space