Dura inspires Swansea with impressive new facilities

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is turning heads in Swansea, as they live up to their reputation for being the innovative city of learning with a brand-new education facility.

As part ofa £350 million investment, UWTSD has a purpose-built facility at SA1 Swansea Waterfront. The eye-catching centre of excellence brings together the faculties of architecture, computing and engineering, Yr Athrofa, The Institute of Education, the Construction Wales Innovation Centre, and a new library.

UWTSD has invested in state-of-the-art facilities for SA1 and approached Dura, who are known for their work within the automotive industry, to design a workshop system for its automotive workshop, environmental science laboratory and simulator room in the new Engineering department.

Dura’s brief was to design and create educational environments for both lecturers and students to be motivated and inspired. Dura utilised the versatility of their modular workshop furniture to tailor each setting, enabling SA1 to deliver the highest standard of education.

Within the automotive workshop, Dura used their knowledge and experience of working with high profile race teams and manufacturers to construct an area with the look and feel of a modern race bay. Dura designed a large, 7-metre-long cabinet workbench as the main focal point of the science lab, with smaller workstations feeding off creating a specialised learning setting. The layout in the Simulator Room provides a clean hi-tech environment, mirroring those used by professional drivers and enabling the students to immerse themselves in a state-of-the-art racing simulator.

Dura has delivered a modern, clean and efficient solution echoing the contemporary feel of SA1. The workshop furniture is an integral part of providing specialist training and applied research for the students and apprentices.

UWTSD’s Emyr Jones, Senior Estates Manager (Development & Planning) said: “Working with Dura has enabled us to future-proof the longevity of SA1. It’s important that our facilities are as striking in appearance and robust as the building itself, thus enabling us to attract students, apprentices and commercial partners.”

If you would like to hear more about this or any of the other projects in Dura’s case studies section then please call 01280 706050 or email info@duraworkshops.co.uk.