3 opportunities QUEEN’S ROAD BUILDING University of Bristol Concept Proposals April 2010 This project is a fantastic opportunity to enhance the strengths of the existing building and rectify the weaknesses as follows: Key Strengths A wide range of facilities under one roof, including a 1,000+ capacity • performance venue, theatre, swimming pool and society rooms. This makes it an almost unique building in the UK. The potential to remove low suspended ceilings to create tall spaces, • which with a new window design will be ideal for natural ventilation and daylighting. Large, flexible floor areas with particularly few columns. • Robust construction with some well-crafted original interior details. • Amenities which benefit the local community. • The potential for great views from all sides. • Key Weaknesses No level front entrance from the street, and a ‘backdoor’ entrance to the • swimming pool which offers no disabled access. The building looks tired and dirty, and certain areas of the external walls • are physically deteriorating. The interior is also jaded. Dark and oppressive aspect from the street: there are no views in or out • of the building at ground level. Despite the potential for flexibility and daylight, much of the existing floor • area is heavily partitioned, with many inner rooms relying on electric lighting. Extremely poor environmental performance and high carbon emissions. • Uncomfortable environment: too hot in summer and cold in winter, • particularly in the link building. Poor internal space planning and a lack of clear signage makes way- • finding difficult, as do inadequately identified lift and stair lobbies. Certain spaces are under-used, particularly the link building, which • should be the hub of the place. Ground level extension opportunity Rooftop infill extension opportunity N Site Plan showing opportunities for extending the QRB The existing Queen’s Road facade