Projects / UA92

University Academy 92 (UA92) has been formed through collaboration between academic leaders, Lancaster University, and Manchester United legends turned entrepreneurs and sporting managers, the Class of 92. UA92 works in partnership with industry leaders to offer education inspired by real business needs. The distinctive higher education offering is supported by a strong group of employer partners including Microsoft, KPMG and Talk Talk.

Supporting our vision for long term growth, Bureau worked closely with the designer and client team to create a multi-purpose space that provides an excellent and flexible learning environment for our students. Installation was carefully managed to avoid disruption and, crucially, to meet our deadline.

University Building

Located in the former Kellogg’s cereal factory site and close to the Old Trafford stadium, the University Academy 92 currently offers courses in Business, Media and Sports. Partnering with Microsoft, the University has a technology focus to equip students for a digital world. Central to their proposition is the development of the tenacity, passion and hard work that made the ​‘class of ​’92’ such a formidable team.

Planning for Growth

The first 100 students have been enrolled at UA92 since it opened the doors to a new campus in September 2019. With the student body expected to increase to 6000 within the next 10 years. C2 Concepts designed a multi-purpose environment that would allow for growth and provide a learning environment that supports the client’s vision. Having won the tender to procure and supply commercial furniture, Bureau worked hand in hand with the designer to ensure effective space planning and achieve the best results from the allocated budget.

Flexibility and Durability

Sourcing from a wide range of suppliers, Bureau proposed a furniture schedule that achieved the desired look and feel whilst meeting the demands of a flexible space and ensured durability for a busy educational environment. During a year of planning, a full product mock-up of high-volume items was set up at the Bureau Hub gallery space to provide the client with an opportunity to ​‘road test’ the options.

Installation

Working alongside Project Management Company, Zerum, Bureau consolidated multiple suppliers into a concise schedule to meet planned completion dates. As the installation coincided with The Ashes’ test cricket match at Old Trafford, early morning deliveries were arranged where necessary to avoid congestion.

Ensuring Connectivity

Locating furniture within easy access of power sockets was essential, and careful thought was given to cable management. Incorporating charging points and plug sockets into furniture for both collaborative spaces and focused study areas was a priority. Further power requirements included connectivity for conferencing in meeting rooms.

With the project completed on time, all furniture correctly installed and snagging quickly resolved, UA92 opened for its first semester in Autumn 2019.

Photography Renzo Mazzolini