2nd Mar 2007 – Foremans launches design for modular university lecture theatre

Foremans Relocatable Building Systems, the UK’s largest supplier of pre-owned modular buildings, has launched a standardised design for a lecture theatre. The move follows the success of a project for the School of Education at the University of East London (UEL) and will help other colleges and universities meet the continued growth in student numbers.

Developed in partnership with UEL, one of the top 10 modern (post-1992) universities for research, the lecture theatre will seat up to 300 students in a purpose-designed, self-contained facility constructed from refurbished and recycled building modules.

The design has tiered seating to ensure good visibility from every angle and has been developed to be accessible rather than intimidating, and to encourage interaction between the lecturer and students. It gives universities and colleges all the advantages of modular building and one of the most sustainable methods of construction – with the additional benefit of a standardised and proven design.

Fully compliant with Building Regulations Part L, this innovative and highly sustainable approach to construction significantly reduces the level of carbon emissions and energy used in the build process compared to traditional site-based construction or new modular buildings. It is also up to 70 per cent faster, minimises disruption to staff and students and is a cost-effective alternative to new build.

Commenting on the lecture theatre completed at the University of East London, Peter Thompson, Assistant Head of Capital Projects said, "Our surveys have shown this is our most popular and highly utilised facility in terms of bookings and attendance rates out of 32 lecture theatres on UEL’s Stratford campus. The orientation of the room allows the lecturer to engage the audience in discussion, the theatre is well laid out and students respond well."

He added, "This is one of three modular building projects that Foremans has completed for UEL. As with the other schemes, it was completed on time despite a challenging programme and the incorporation of large-scale ducted air installation. The use of refurbished building modules allowed us to meet our budget requirements and provide a high quality facility for our fast-changing Stratford campus."

The 215sqm air conditioned lecture theatre for UEL, which is the biggest on the Stratford campus, comprises steel-framed modules which were fully refurbished off site, and craned into position on to pre-prepared foundations in just one day. This reduced the programme time to only eight weeks from start on site to handover.

The Foremans approach to off-site construction is a highly sustainable alternative to the demolition and disposal of buildings in landfill sites, which has significant environmental implications. All refurbished Portakabin buildings supplied by Foremans comply with the latest Building Regulations Part L and have the reassurance of a ground-breaking warranty package.

More Press Releases