Newman University College
Digital Arts and Media Education
Birmingham, England

Project Type: Adaptive Reuse
BREEAM Rating:Excellent
Opening: 2011
Construction Cost: £20 million
Architect: Glenn Howells Architects
AD Scope: Acoustics

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Construction of a new entrance building, library, and family research centre at Newman University College in Birmingham is complete and the project has been awarded a Built in Quality Award 2012 in the
Further Education Category.  Work will soon commence on a new drama performance space. The high-profile entrance building is to be an inspirational public face for the University and, as well as addressing the educational needs of the student body, will be used for local community projects.

Newman University College has a strong academic record; it has one of the most consistent and best graduate employment rates of UK colleges and universities, and received “outstanding” in its most recent OFSTED inspection. It was also the UK's top ranked University College in The Guardian's University Guide 2009.

Acoustic Dimensions work included noise control and room acoustic design of the library, classroom spaces and the large entrance atrium.  We assisted the design team to negotiate necessary departures from normal Building Bulletin 93 standards in order to deliver the unusual building layout with natural ventilation.

We also assisted the project in achieving BREEAM certification under Health & Wellbeing (Hea 13).