Finding room for respite

The newly created and furnished respite room is zoned for different uses

A newly created ‘respite room’ might be a 'small project' for Estates Operations, but it is one that will make a big difference for many students.

Estates Operations have completed a new project transforming a space supporting student wellbeing.

Assistant Building Manager Aimée Buirski in the Building Operations team has overseen the transformation of a break-out area in Chemistry C160 into a safe space for students who need to take time away from others for any reason.  She was a co-lead with the Department of Chemistry working group consisting of Faculty of Medicine and Maureen O'Brien and Sarah Kennedy from the Disability Advisory Service.

The pilot project in Chemistry building at South Kensington Campus was made possible by the President’s Fund, and if it proves popular and effective, might well be rolled out in other buildings.

It cost £33,000 to strip out existing furniture, change lighting, paint walls and to carpet the area and install a breakfast bar. A further £9,000 was spent on new furniture, and moveable planters for zoning the space, as shown in the photograph.

Leading the way

Advice on the scheme functionality and colour scheme to cater for a wide variety of students including those with autism along with wheelchair users was supplied by the Disability Advisory Service.

The scheme was the brainchild of Paige Noyce, Project Manager in Chemistry, and the application supported by Charlotte Sutherell, Senior Teaching Fellow in Chemistry, concerned with pastoral care.

Paige said: “The Chemistry Department is proud to host Imperial’s first Student Wellbeing Suite, made possible by the President’s Community Fund.

"This space will be a sanctuary for students in need of a quiet space if they are struggling emotionally or physically.

"A huge thanks to Aimée Buirski and Michael St Clair Laing (SAF Building Manager) for their fantastic work in realising this project!”

Maureen O’Brien, Head of Disability Advisory Service Student Services said: “Thanks everyone – it is a great credit to the Chemistry department.”

Furniture was supplied by Portsdown and works carried out by Oakland contractors.