The brief for the Students’ Union was to create a vibrant hub for both City University students and staff through refurbishing and extending a wing of the Tait building. The new Students’ Union functions as a café, bar, night-club and events venue, serving the needs of a diverse group.
Aesthetically, the scheme draws inspiration from the existing building fabric, with its aged brick, concrete structure and copper cladding. The rough, natural textures and materials will allow for and be enhanced by wear and marking. A variety of seating types and lighting zones facilitate the multi-functional use of a single space. Sliding, folding partitions, cork walls, magnetic laminates, a divisible bar and drop-down projector screens afford flexibility and functionality for long-term use.
External works include a new landscaped entrance, signage, increased glazing to draw light in and a red glazed corner to create street presence and identity.
The Students’ Union promises to serve as a hive of activity for existing students, which gives them ownership and a sense of university spirit, whilst drawing in prospective students and boosting the reputation of the university as a whole.
