Over the next few weeks, we will be slowing loading up the results of our consultations with you to date beginning with this first post which is about Spaces & Places.

Results from our consultations with you to date confirmed that the outdoor spaces on campus are frequently used and enjoyed by students, staff members and the local community. University Square and Chancellors Court were the places highlighted as most popular and interestingly despite these spaces being in proximity to each other distinctive groups use them in slightly different ways.

University Square is viewed as a ‘busy, vibrant social hub’ which could also function in future as an outdoor dining area, with “affordable” market stalls, and more “outside eating areas for students.”

Chancellor’s Court is viewed as a more sophisticated space with a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, and people felt it should maintain a classic and grand character while also having a colourful and playful identity.

There is currently a natural delineation of space and activity on campus, which works well and should be retained if possible. University Square should be busier and more social, whereas Chancellors Court should have a quieter and more reflective atmosphere. Facilities such as tables and chairs, well-lit shelters, outdoor patio heaters, marquees, gazebos, and outdoor places to eat were all suggested to assist with the functions of these spaces. North of University Square people hope for a place which is more relaxing and contemplative, with the space just West of the North Car Park highlighted as an ideal spot for a secluded nature area with ponds and vegetable patches.

N.

Did you miss us on site this week? If yes then not to worry because we have created an online survey based on this week’s pop-up stall event and it will take a mere five minutes to complete. Soon the concept and developments phases of the project will come to a close, and the design will be frozen, so this is possibly the last chance to get your input before this critical stage.  The survey will be live until the 18th of November, and we want to get as much feedback from you as possible so, please tell your friends, colleagues and anyone you feel might like to take part.

It is a tad chilly, and we are super grateful to everyone who has stopped to talk to us at Staff House which has been a bit of a wind tunnel today. It has been really nice to be back on campus, we were at the Barber Institute earlier for the VC Forum (we were not in attendance but gathering surveys outside) and were really frustrated that we don’t have the time to see the Collection which people were raving about! The new Library looks exciting too, but we are still hard at work gathering surveys so both will need to wait till another site visit. However, we are only here for today, so if you have not already done so, please pop by and complete our survey – it only takes five mins, and it would be a fantastic help.
Thanks
N

Following the roaring success of our pop-up stall back in May, we will once more be on site for one day only.  On the 18th of October, we will be at the following three locations,

1. Opposite the fruit and veg stand between 10.00am and 11.30am

2. At the Barber Institute between 12noon and 2 pm

3. Opposite the fruit and veg stand between 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Scott, Nathan and Chris from our studio will be manning the stall. Scott and Chris will be asking you to take part a quick survey while Nathan will be asking you to engage in a concept testing exercise.  Last time you gave us some fabulous information and we hope to get a similar response this week as this might be the last time we can discuss your ideas so directly.   Try to catch the chaps on site if you can but if you do miss us keep an eye on the blog for future updates and polls.

Hello to everyone we met last term and an even bigger hello to the new first year. We hope you all had a smashing summer. The good news is that we will be continuing to consult with you and keep you up to date with the latest progress of the Green Heart Project right up until Christmas.

We began the Creative Consultation project back in the Spring of this year with a pop-up stall where we gathered over 100 Soft interviews, completed 20 cognitive maps created 23 concept plans and observed 51 behavioural maps.  Following this, in June we posted a series of 13 poll questions and were delighted when 199 of you cast 3,801 votes!

Our initial report was submitted to the University in August, and now we want to build on this by sharing the results and continuing to carry out consultation events.  Over the next couple of months, we plan to upload all of the results of our discussions with you, and we also plan on popping back to site with another pop-up stall/outdoor workshop.

Please keep an eye on the blog for news and updates of events and take part if you can.  We are looking forward to hearing even more interesting ideas.

Thanks

Nomad Team.