University of East London - Street Furniture
Location: Royal Albert Dock
Client: University of East London
Products: IronSites Series S-42 Bin with Standard Lid (x11)IronSites Series S-42 Bin with Dome Lid & Ashtray (x4)IronSites Series S-242 Recycle Bin (x10)
SteelSites Series FRB-6 Backless Bench (x7)SteelSites Series NRB Zigzag Bench (x4)
SteelSites Series FRST-6 table with FRB-6 Bench (x7)Parson Series PT-2 Portable Picnic Table with Bench (x17)
SteelSites Series FRB-6 Backless Bench (x7)SteelSites Series NRB Zigzag Bench (x4)
SteelSites Series FRST-6 table with FRB-6 Bench (x7)Parson Series PT-2 Portable Picnic Table with Bench (x17)
Objectives
University of East London's Docklands Campus built in 2000 was the first new university campus to be built in the Capital City for over 50 years, it has won acclaim for its iconic architecture and was short-listed for Building of the Year. The Campus is comprised of purpose-built lecture theatres and seminar rooms, a library and various labs and studios, the Student Village is also located on site and provides accommodation for over 1,200 students, as well as shops, restaurants and a launderette; the site overlooks the water with views to London City Airport and Canary Wharf.
CU Phosco Lighting provided the University with various street furniture and lighting products for the initial development over 10 years ago.
3 years ago Chris Norman joined the team at the University as Campus Manager. Since Mr. Normans' appointment as he had noticed that the large expanses of open space around the campus that was not being actively used by the students and with a view to enhancing the students experience was looking for a way to encourage the use this large open space, something of a rarity in London Universities.
The University required furniture that was strong and durable as well as functional and attractive; also having a strong environmental ethos they were looking for a suppliers with products that would adhere to their strict environmental credential.
Mr Norman was very impressed with our furniture that had been installed during the initial development, especially with how it had held up for over a decade in an active and vibrant environment such as a University and invited our Marketing & Exterior Works Manager Nicola Marques Butler to meet him to discuss the various different options available to the University.
Solutions
CU Phosco have a strong environmental commitment and over 98% of the composition of our steel bar is comprised of recycled steel, all wood used is soured from FSC certified suppliers and we also have recycled plastic options as an alternative. We also encourage proper waste disposal and recycling with options for recycling units and recycling decals and bin lids. Even the processes that go into making our products are environmentally sound, using energy efficient systems, non toxic and non hazardous materials.
Our furniture uses solid steel bars at 9.5 x 25mm thickness and has a unique 200-250 micron thick powder coating ensuring that the products have the longest possible lifespan and a chip resistant finish. As well as being durable this also ensures that the products are very low maintenance and will not need re painting to keep them looking fresh. Mr Norman found that these aspects and features tied in very well with the universities requirements for using environmentally friendly, sustainable products with a long life expectancy and low maintenance needs.
It was decided that a combination of straight backless benches, and curved zigzag benches were decided on for the main square between the East and West buildings, the aim was to create a casual welcoming environment in which the students could relax in their downtime. Also provided were portable wooden and steel picnic tables for use outside the cafe for students to take their lunch and permanent steel picnic tables around the edge of the square to. Some of the picnic tables were placed under shelter and those exposed to the elements were provided with an umbrella mount so they can be used all year round come rain or shine.
In addition to the seating Mr Norman required a number of new litter bins, 15 of the iconic S-42 170 litre bins were used throughout the campus, a number of which using dome lids and ashtrays to cater for smokers. Our new side door SD-242 recycle bins we chosen for use at the campuses dedicated recycling zone, these were decorated with bespoke artwork in the Universities chosen colours and with the appropriate lids to dictate the type of litter deposited in each bin. A Sliver finish was chosen to complement the stainless steel and aluminium fixtures around the campus such as the railing and unique drain pipe system.
After much discussion CU Phosco we able to meet the tight delivery requirements set by the University of East London in time for installation to be complete before the start of the academic year.
Response
"We were very impressed with the service and products from CU Phosco from initial enquiry through to delivery, the communication with Nicola and the delivery team was excellent and essential to the project running smoothly and being completed on time. The company and products have the right environmental credentials, the products are of the high quality we were expecting and the installation has proved successfully to enhance the student experience at the campus, we would highly recommend them."