Scoping Conference
'The Forum project is a development that will bring together formal and informal learning spaces and frontline services for students, alongside catering and retail spaces for students and staff. It will provide a focus at the centre of the Streatham Campus for people rather than vehicles and give a sense of arrival to the campus...What is absolutely essential is that it works for the students. It needs to be flexible so that if future needs change the buildings can be easily adjusted to suit, and flexible so that spaces can potentially be used for a range of activity and to promote the University's cultural values.'
Vision statement from David Allen - Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive
On 28th February 2008, a Forum scoping conference was held with over 150 delegates including representatives from a variety of academic schools, professional services, the Guild and some external guests. With an introduction from Professor Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor, the morning included presentations from:
- Registrar and Deputy Cheif Executive David Allen, on the overall concept of the Forum Project to the University, detailing aspirations for a 'heart of the Streatham campus';
- John Plumridge and Geoff Wright of AIMS Ltd, on a campus-wide masterplan (AIMS presentation);
- Les Watson, on Learning in the 21st Century
During the coffee and lunch breaks, photographs were on display showing delegates some examples of exciting developments from universities around the world. A promotional film was shown, that takes us on a journey from where we were, where we are now and where we want to be. Consisting of images from our past, our present and inspirational images from other institutions around the world, this film illustrates other exciting academic environments of today and is consistent with the Forum vision.
In the afternoon, Les Watson facilitated a World Cafe event. This generated much discussion amongst the delegates around some key issues relating to the project.
The day provided valuable input to the project. A Scoping Conference Report of the day's findings was compiled that helped to inform the final design brief.
