Project Manager:
FAITHFUL + GOULD
This project forms part of a £5,000,000 investment in the school of languages, supported by major funding from HEFCE’s Catalyst fund to safeguard UK provision in strategically important and vulnerable languages (SIL) of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
From 2018-19 SOAS’ students’ entitlement to learn a language will be embedded in their degree level programme of study. BW’s project was focused in the Brunei Gallery and included the conversion of a conferencing facility into a large languages lab and linked study and multi-use zone, the upgrade of a 290 person lecture theatre to allow cinema quality screening of foreign language films, and the refurbishment of a range of learning spaces with appropriate layout and sound proofing. It was vital that SOAS can attract more students alongside keeping in line with current student expectations.
Supporting Teaching Excellence
The project will create a large variety of accessible spaces where students can work together or individually, even making use of the corridors. The lecture theatre, fast tracked in only 8 weeks, has transformed an under-used utilitarian space into a bright and airy colourful facility that is now used at 100% occupation.
These spaces will help this leading institution to maintain teaching excellence by continuing to focus on their diverse students and their needs.
Fit-Out Facts