Atrium Building Refresh – University of Bradford
University of Bradford
Bradford, West Yorkshire
Bowman Riley provided interior design and health & safety services on the refurbishment of the Atrium building for the University of Bradford to improve functionality and the aesthetic appeal for students and staff.
Built in 2006, the University of Bradford’s large Atrium connects different academic buildings, serving as a hub for students, staff, and visitors. It’s a flexible, dynamic space the University uses for informal meetings, open days, recruitment fairs and graduation shows. However, the Atrium faced several challenges concerning sound transmission, drafts, and heat, which affected the overall ambience and user experience.
We conducted a thorough assessment of the Atrium and developed a design that addressed the challenges while incorporating the University’s vision and requirements.
Specific features we introduced included: dual-purpose solar shading in the form of acrylic discs suspended across the space to act as an acoustic barrier and create a scriptural feature, a built-in video wall on the balcony balustrade displaying imagery, a green breakout space in collaboration with a landscape architect to regenerate an adjacent under-used external area.
The new design has given the Atrium a fresh and modern look, making it a more inviting and attractive space with new flooring, furniture, and contemporary furnishings.
The redesign of the Atrium by Bowman Riley has had a significant impact on the University’s community, demonstrating the importance of user-focused design in creating functional and energy-efficient spaces. The spaces are now more modern, practical, and attractive, providing a better experience for students, staff, and for external hires to bring additional revenue to the University.