Lancashire students design nursery spaces

Family-run Lovania Nurseries Ltd in Tarleton called on third year architecture students from the University of Central Lancashire to design new recreational and staff canteen facilities .

The firm, which grows plants and bulbs for UK garden centres and major retailers, teamed up with the university for a week-long design competition for students.

The winning design focuses on flexible space, a multi-entrance dining facility, al-fresco furniture and long dining room tables for staff to socialise.

The winning team comprised six third year architecture students – Yousif Saeed Al-khafajy, Marvin Edwards, Atessa Ghiassi, Oliver Hamilton, Ella Leonie Holicki, and Jordan Shaw.

Olivers said: “It was great to work on a real project for a client who will take our ideas forward.

“We got a great insight into how the design process works in industry and although it was a very intensive few days, it felt great to win the competition and receive positive immediate feedback.”

The company’s head of purchasing Paul Rossington said: “The winning design will form the basis of construction plans to bring the new facilities to life.

“The staff centre will provide both a meeting place and a communal area for mealtimes and social interaction.

“Its design has communication and community at its core .

“It provides a comfortable, informal space where personnel from all departments can mix, share ideas and catch up with inter-departmental activity at break times.”