Malaysia launch: A campus with Whiteknights at its heart

Tuesday, 23 February 2016

Spread over 30,000 square metres, the University of Reading Malaysia campus brings together teaching, learning and socialising into a modern integrated building.

It is made up of two buildings, linked by a central atrium known as the ‘Heartspace’. The ‘Heartspace’ is based on the Whiteknights campus and is a green, plant-filled space for students to relax and socialise in – with an amphitheatre for talks, live music and events.

Its dynamic roof comprises large ETFE-inflated cushions which allow the correct UV and natural light through for plant and tree growth while also providing shade. There is also a natural air movement system that draws air in from the ends of and under the building, to give the perception of cooling.

The teaching and learning areas in the two main blocks are connected through lightweight bridges suspended from the roof.

“It is a modern campus with state-of-the-facilities for teaching and learning,” says Trevor Hawkins, Director of Estates and Facilities, UoRM. “It is also a world-class showcase of what radical thinking about materials, environmental strategies and educational functionality can achieve.”

Work on the campus started in 2011 when international design practice Scott Brownrigg were engaged. Over the course of 12 months, five different sites were evaluated before a concept was agreed for a key area adjacent to the main EduCity entrance in 2012.

The design was finalised in the UK, with a comprehensive set of Employer’s Requirements being handed to the developer’s design team at a signing ceremony in July 2012. The developer’s team then completed the technical design and tender documentation (with a weekly review undertaken by the UoRM team) by the end of February 2013.

An enabling contract was issued in the first quarter of 2013 to remove a large hill and its rock base, and to prepare the site for construction. Construction commenced on 1 August 2013 and the building was handed over to the University on 31 July 2015. Following the installation of information technology and audio-visual equipment – as well as furniture and fixtures – the building opened its doors to the first intake of students in September 2015.

Home to a wide range of faculties, including business, finance, pharmacy, psychology and built environment, the UoRM campus offers a balance of different academic disciplines and a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate activities, and has the potential to accommodate, over time, up to 3,000 students.

To enable to optimum use of facilities, all teaching areas operate on a central booking and allocation system rather than the more conventional departmental control method.

Key features of the teaching wings at the campus include cutting-edge laboratories, a Learning Resource Centre and four lecture theatres. There is also a state-of-the-art financial dealing room, a psychology suite and a student association space with pool, table football and bean bags.

“It is a beautiful campus with a supportive study atmosphere and high-quality learning experience,” says a student at UoRM.

Another student describes the Learning Resource Centre as her favourite space. “I am very impressed by its layout,” she says. “It shows me that UoRM is ready to provide a learning space that is suitable for different types of student”.

Also on the launch of University of Reading Malaysia: