Design elements
Heart
The heart is the landmark space within the whole that can connect all the main facilities and is a space that everyone can relate to. It is a space that can provide a ‘sense of place’ and a focal point for the college. The heart may therefore emulate a space within the public realm such as a street, an atrium, a square or courtyard, or a pavilion
Central to the use of the space is its ability to clearly indicate how all the main facilities can be found utilising landmark elements to denote locations.
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In essence it is the prime circulation space and the main social space linking activities such as reception, student support, advice and guidance, learning resources, teaching and leisure accommodation. It is a space that can be used to illustrate, display and inform visitors, clients and staff about the college, its curriculum, its leisure facilities and its community uses.
Social facilities such as refectories and cafes can utilise the heart as ‘spill out space’. Learner orientated facilities such as learning resource centres together with public facing facilities such as ‘retail environments’ can also inhabit the heart to generate the ambience and activity found in public places.
