TSK enjoys education success

The TSK group has successfully completed two contracts within the education sector, via the procurement framework of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) - the independent office of HM Treasury established to help public sector organisations enjoy best value from their spending. Both of the projects entailed the design and delivery of innovative new environments for Sheffield Hallam University (SHU).

The first project centred on the Adsetts Centre, one of the University's dedicated learning and resource facilities, which is located on the city centre campus. As this campus (one of two occupied by SHU) is due to support a dramatically increasing number of students over the coming years, its facilities had to be developed and improved to support this.

This led to the Adsetts Centre being extended and re-organised with a particular focus on anticipating future learning styles and needs. As a vital component of this extension and of the wider vision, the University wanted the interior of the new area of the building to be especially innovative, stimulating and creative.

Having secured the contract, TSK responded to the client's brief by creating an environment based around the four seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each zone is distinguished not only by its choice of decor but also by different types of furniture from OGC approved manufacturer, Herman Miller. Importantly, this furniture is freestanding, allowing zones to be reconfigured as and when required.

Further flexibility stems from TSK's use of both open plan and cellular worksettings. These can cater for any learning style as well as different sized groups of students. In addition, informal areas have been included such as a cafe space, breakout zones and a social networking area.

The net result is an environment thats contemporary, more conducive to learning due to its relaxed nature and above all, highly adaptable. As needs and styles of learning evolve, this area of the Adsetts Centre can now comfortably evolve to meet them

The second projects focused on an all-new, state-of-the-art ACES (Arts, Computing, Engineering and Science) complex - created as part of SHU's commitment to offering its students and staff the very best facilities. Representing a multi-million investment, this complex comprised multiple buildings, including the Harmer Building which would be home to ten Mac labs.

SHU wanted these labs to reflect the 'cool' and iconic nature of the technology being used as well as the design appreciative nature of the building's users. It was TSK that again picked up the contract to realise this vision.

To ensure the labs delivered the desired aesthetics whilst still remaining functional and fit-for-purpose, TSK utilised Herman Miller's ultra-modern 'Sense' furniture. This unique range offers enormous durability (important in any educational environment) as well as the benefit of impressive flexibility. Users are able to make individual adjustments to numerous settings in the interests of optimum comfort.

In addition, contemporary artwork and innovative lighting was employed to heighten the learning experience for students and to contribute to the labs' bright, vibrant and youthful feel.

With both projects now completed, Paul Helm, Head of Faculty from Sheffield Hallam University said: "Sheffield Hallam is a progressive provider of education and as such, we expect the learning environments we offer our students to reflect this. TSK has done an excellent job in not only understanding this vision, but also in bringing it to reality at both the Adsetts Centre and the Harmer Building Mac labs."

Andy Burke, Group Commercial Director at the TSK group, added: "TSK has long promoted the fact that any organisation, from multi-national businesses to charities to education providers, can benefit from an intelligently designed working environment - and these projects support those claims. We are especially delighted that they were both procured under the OGC framework as it helps to highlight our ability to offer clients best value, whether they operate in either the public or private sector."