Competition Design Brief Development of 500 Student Residences on the Plas Coch Campus for Glyndwr University, Wrexham. Introduction Glyndwr University has identified the need for new student residences to accommodate 500 students as part of a broader strategy to accommodate undergraduates and graduates on campus and increase the provision for student services including catering. The purpose of this project is to prepare initial design proposals for the first phase of development being 500 study bedrooms and a subsequent phase of student facilities within the Plas Coch Campus. This briefing document outlines the parameters for the development of that site. The University’s campus lies on the outskirts of Wrexham and consists of a main campus at Plas Coch and Regent Street and other smaller sites at Yale Business Village, Rhosnesni and Gatewen. The site identified by the University for the new residences is on the northern edge of the central campus, adjacent to the existing Student Village. The new accommodation will be designed for undergraduate use, with conference use out of term time. The University has prepared a Master Plan for the Plas Coch campus which identifies this site for residential development. To achieve its high aspirations for this development the University is seeking to select partners from the very best that the design community has to offer and has asked the RIBA Competitions Office to assist in this process.
This briefing document provides background information on the project, and details for the selection process and competition timescales. Background and Context The Site The site is located to the North of the Plas Coch Campus adjacent to the existing on site student accommodation blocks. Vehicle access is via the adjacent entrance off Plas Coch Road which has been identified to become the main entrance onto the campus in the future. There is vehicle parking in front of the existing student accommodation and to the south of the proposed development area. The existing 3 storey student accommodation bounds the site to the northwest with a mature tree line to the north. To the eastern boundary there are sports fields both artificial and natural. The southern edge is bounded by the main campus service road. Constraints and Opportunities Competitors should take note of the following constraints and opportunities which have been identified : • The design is for the external elevations and surrounding areas of the accommodation but designers should take account of the client’s wishes to procure the internal accommodation based on modular accommodation units. • The designers are to bear in mind that the client may wish to deliver the construction project in phases. • The design is to incorporate open/communal space capable of supporting the new and existing accommodation, this may be open air or covered. • The design should not encroach on any of the boundaries to the north east and south, but should look to link into the existing student accommodation both physically and aesthetically. • The design should take account of the loss of parking and should include a suitable area for the students to “drop-off”. Additional parking will be required to make up for the loss of parking but this will be provided elsewhere on the site and therefore is not a consideration for competitors. • The design should take account of the University’s wish to create a student area that is vibrant and inclusive and that is the heart of the campus outside of educational hours. • The design is to include the provision of a Student Services Building (The Hub). Competitors should be aware that this building is likely to be realised as a distinct 2nd phase, and therefore the design of the two elements should eb capable of a phased delivery, with the accommodation being the primary delivery objective. The Hub is to incorporate a refectory to seat 200 and offices & communal rooms over 3 floors to service the increased student population. Approximate required floor area is 2,000 – 3,000 sqm. This building does not have to be based on a modular form of construction. The Hub is envisaged as an attractive social centre piece on campus providing students, staff and local community with quality dining facilities, dynamic social areas and professional meeting points. It will house a range of services such as dining facilities catering for up to 200 people, a variety of retail and service outlets and perhaps even meeting rooms. Potentially, the building could house a ‘global hub’ where visitors could relax with international newspapers, catch up on world events from plasma screens showing news headlines from across the world, meeting fellow students and staff. The building will be open every day. Building Services: Overview • The University is committed to producing functional and flexible Low Carbon developments, with the building services playing a significant role in achieving sustainability and minimising any environmental impact. • This exemplar development will embrace design principles and methodologies that encompass 21st Century, state of the art innovation in terms of materials, services and systems producing a low maintenance facility. • Where appropriate, viable renewable technologies and/or cogeneration should be utilised taking into account whole life costing of the development. • University aspirations for all designs include a target of BREEAM rating ‘Excellent’ and aims to achieve a 20% improvement on the current statutory Building Regulations. Site Visit An organised site visit was held on Friday 3rd October, and a further visit will be held on Wednesday 8th October. Anyone interested in attending should send an email to riba.competitions@inst.riba.org by no later than Wednesday 1st October. Please note spaces are restricted to 2 per practice. Competition Format The competition will be run in two stages, as follows : Stage 1 : Seeks submission of concept designs which will be assessed anonymously. A shortlist of up to three will be identified and invited to proceed to stage two. Stage 2 : Will involve an interview with shortlisted designers. The purpose of the interview will be to meet the team, to learn more about the thinking behind and the viability of the stage one concept, and the ability of the team to deliver and take the project forward. Shortlisted designers will also be required to provide a written submission, details of which are provided within the Competition Conditions. Assessment Criteria Stage 1 : - Design Quality - high quality design - evidence of inventiveness and flair - Response to Brief - compliance with brief - response to site and context - Communication - clarity of presentation - motivation statement Stage 2 : - Ability to enthuse and involve the selection panel in the presentation of the design solution at the interview - Excellent communication and presentation skills - Ability to work collaboratively with the client body - Ability of the team to deliver the project (refer to eligibility requirements) - Compliance with submission requirements (as described in this brief) The rules for the competition are set out in the section ‘Competition Conditions’.