Bellwood Design was engaged to collaborate with the Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE Leadership Team to reinvigorate their existing dated interior and exterior spaces to align more closely with their new ‘user-focused’ structure. The scope of work involved re-design of high traffic precincts across two campuses within the Northern Sydney Institute and was completed in October 2014. These spaces had become ramshackle and worn over time with a pervading 80s institutional aesthetic. The Institute’s working team’s ambition was to create revitalised and inspiring spaces for students befitting a leading international tertiary educational body.

A thorough user assessment of nominated areas including the library, canteen and outdoor breakout spaces was undertaken. An important aspect of the redesign was to address the heightened technological requirements within the organisation and of its students, including the provision of flexible collaborative spaces for relaxation as well as student teacher engagement and study. We wanted the students to have an enhanced user experience to further their own positive commitment to study.

The provision of designed furniture by Own World benefited the schematic design in a number of ways. Own World product complied to a criteria of authenticity and fit for purpose to meet the design concept.  Also paramount to the tender of these items was ability to provide individualised custom options in a timely fashion to meet crucial client deadlines.

Attention to detail and innovation were pivotal to the scheme’s success, such as the inclusion of USB power ports into the ‘Mrs Buffy’ activity based working lounge armchairs by manufacturer La Cividina so users can recharge electronic devices in use. Own World’s personnel worked closely with the Bellwood Design team to fully understand the holistic approach, and provided options which supported the brief and budget and, importantly, arrived on time. Bernadette Bellwood of Bellwood Designs comments, “I was fortunate, the TAFE team was an enthusiastic client who drew heartily from our collaboration to create enriched unified and functional spaces of which Bellwood is very proud.”

Cafeteria:

• ‘Langdon’ Armchair, by local Australian Designer Chris Hardy
• Communal Dining Tables, by local Australian Designer Chris Hardy
• ‘Pola Light’ Chair, Designed by LC Studio, Manufactured by Crassevig, Italy

Breakout:

• ‘Wolfgang Lounge,’ Designed by Luca Fornasarig, Manufactured by Fornasarig, Italy
• ‘Ledge Sofa,’ by Gallaway Design Collective for Own World

Outdoor Terraces:

• ‘Bunny’ Lounge Chairs, Designed by Gaurav Nanda, Manufactured by Bend Goods, Los Angeles
• ‘Lucy’ Chairs, Designed by Gaurav Nanda, Manufactured by Bend Goods, Los Angeles
• Communal Dining Tables and Bench Seats, by local Australian Designer Chris Hardy