Just before the work began on the refurbishment, I had an opportunity to take some photos of a deserted Language Resource Centre, with very forlorn looking work carrels.

Well, the workmen have been beavering away over the past couple of  weeks, removing all the old furniture and building in the data and network frameworks.

The picture below shows the placement of original carrels round supporting pillars, with mahogany coloured wood cladding. The new-look centre will still feature similar carrels, but without the second shelving layer, more suited to modern computer monitors and certainly more ergonomic for its users. I believe the general mahogany wood colouring will be preserved (the building is listed and some internal features need to remain the same).

The image above is an example of building to incorporate new data and power connections. The new octagonal  desks will surround this allowing for seven computer work positions and a free work area, divided by fogged Perspex to allow a degree of privacy during self-study.

A current plan for the proposed centre, showing a newly-positioned reception area and entry barriers, is found below.

We plan to have large wall mounted television screens for signage and digital video display, using our recently installed Planet DV IPTV system.

More updates to follow!