Architects reveal plans for dramatic new business school at DMU


These images give the first impression of the unique and inspiring settings in which students at De Montfort University Leicester's (DMU) new business school will be taught.

The Leicester Castle Business School will offer postgraduate and undergraduate business courses, designed for students who want to stand out in the international employment market. It is designed to meet the needs of 21st century business.

Architect 1
An impression of the restored vault area at the rear of the castle

But this future outlook will be enriched by the lessons from the past, not least because of the new school's setting: the Grade I listed Great Hall of Leicester Castle, which dates from the 12th century.

Construction firm Robert Woodhead is now on site, beginning the transformation of the building, which was until 1992 used as a courthouse.

But working closely with them is Maber Architects, which has spent hours on site drawing up the plans to convert the building, creating a new kind of learning environment which retains the character and heritage of the location.

Richard Issleib, project architect with Maber, said drawing up the plans had been a 'really enjoyable challenge'.

He said: "The first thing we did was a laser scan, which built a detailed 3D model of the entire building. Then we took an exhaustive tour of the place, noting every light switch, crack in the paint and plug socket, to create drawings of each room.

"We also did a lot of research into the building's history at the public records office, looking at images and etching available, trying to capture the heritage of the building."

Architect 2
An impression of the 'Harvard-style' lecture theatre in the restored court room

Over centuries, Leicester Castle has been part of some key developments in history. It has survived violence and orders for destruction, welcomed royal visitors and hosted Parliament. It was the place that Richard III rested on his journey from London to York and Peter Pan author JM Barrie reported on court cases for the Nottingham Journal.

But it is its most recent use, as a courthouse, which will most readily influence the final design as a business school. The main ground floor has two court rooms, used for civil and criminal cases.

Construction team describes "satisfying challenge" of creating Leicester Castle Business School
From royal residence to business school - the fascinating history of Leicester Castle

Mr Issleib said: "In the crown court room we will use a light touch. The original furniture will be retained, with some parts removed to improve access. It will be redecorated and restored sympathetically and will be used as a 'Harvard-style' lecture theatre, with the lecturer in the centre of the room.

"The lighting in both courtrooms will be replaced with a more dramatic and dynamic scheme to improve the levels and also help to really show off the amazing roof structure.”

"The civil court room will be more developed. We will retain the judge's bench, chair and canopy but the rest of the furniture will be removed. You will still appreciate that you are in a former court room but the space will be much more multi-functional."

Contractor main 3

Maber also plans to make use of the unique brick vault at the back of the castle, bringing it back into life as a unique seminar space, as well as giving a new feel to the various rooms on the second floor, which offer spectacular views over the grounds towards St Mary de Castro and to the rear over Castle Gardens.

Maber has a lot of experience working on historical buildings. Recently the firm helped transform an old 19th railway turning shed in Derby into The Roundhouse, a spectacular circular events venue build around the historic turntable, and also completed the Richard III visitor's centre in Leicester.

Mr Issleib said: "We are working very closely with Historic England and conservation officer. We will be on site frequently during the building work because things can change quickly and discoveries can be made when you are working on historic properties - that's the nature of the work, both challenging and satisfying."

 
Posted on Thursday 23 June 2016

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