The Dundee information centre and offices of scientists at the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) play a key role in helping to improve worldwide crop yields.
However, the repository of knowledge – essential in the effort to develop crops which can better survive drought, famine, pestilence and global warming – was a drab and under-used 1960s building.
Now the outdated facility, at Invergowrie, has been given a £200,000 upgrade by Space Solutions, whose experts looked at all factors limiting use of the space, then designed a complete solution.
That is already paying dividends, with significant increase in the numbers of staff using it and Phil Taylor, Head of Communications and Information Services at SCRI, said:
“This information centre is a resource of worldwide importance. The science of breeding crops has never had greater relevance given the challenges the world faces from a growing population and climate change.
“Everyone is seeing food prices rising because of factors such as drought and crop diseases. These issues are not going away. Here we have some of the most important research stretching back decades, yet the information centre was so dark and dreary it was actually a barrier to it being used.
“Now we have a space that is light-filled, airy and a pleasure to work in. We have seen a huge increase in usage, which benefits everybody.”
The team from Space Solutions established the critical factors to improve the work space, designed and delivered the refurbishment, including motion and brightness-sensor lighting, ingenious shelving solutions, and clever use of flooring and open plan spacing.
Space Solutions is Scotland’s biggest independent expert in the design, fit out and relocation of office and business spaces. It has bases in Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Peterborough and works with clients to help them achieve innovative, attractive and productive workplaces.
Its professional team includes architects, interior designers, workplace planners, relocation specialists, surveyors and project managers. During the SCRI project Space Solutions provided a complete service including design, fit out and relocation of staff.
The seven week project also saw the team coordinate careful removal of 16,000 academic volumes which were then catalogued. They were returned after reorganisation of the filing system to reflect the improved shelving layout.
Stephen Griffiths, Senior Interior Designer at Space Solutions, said: “The proof of the success is that far greater numbers of staff are now using this area. One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is when people realise how changes like these can genuinely improve their working lives.”
Many of the improvements at the SCRI building were achieved with more efficient library storage and shelving, to create additional light and space. The reception area was also extended and an L-shaped open-plan area was created by converting a former 1959sq ft photographic studio. It now has 30 desks and a meeting space for SCRI’s 350 staff.
Space Solutions also offers a Sustainability Service and installed an energy-efficient sensor lighting system at SCRI. Motion sensors switch off lights in unused areas. Brightness of the bulbs also varies to maintain lighting at a constant level.
Stephen added: “In an age where libraries, even as information centres, are facing ever-increasing challenges to attract users it is important they become more appealing.
“At a research institute such a facility is an integral part of their work. It is a resource they simply could not afford to lose, so something had to be done.
“There are a lot of dark and dingy libraries which could really do with the injection of life there has been at SCRI. It would be sad to see libraries close when adding a bit of light and managing the space better could really invigorate them.”
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Space Solutions by Holyrood Partnership. Contact Suzanne Mackie on (0131) 561 2244 or info@holyroodpr.co.uk.
http://www.holyroodpr.co.uk/
http://www.spacesolutions.info/
