TRANSFORMING CHELLASTON ACADEMY LIBRARY INTO A DYNAMIC HUB FOR COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY, AND INDEPENDENT STUDY

Chellaston Academy is a comprehensive school and Academy in Chellaston in the Derby area of England, United Kingdom.

Our wide experience tells us that in today's fast-paced academic world, libraries play a crucial role in supporting student success. We wanted to transform Chellaston Academy Library into a dynamic learning environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and independent study. We know that the design of these spaces is critical in shaping student outcomes and in offering resources and experiences that cater to diverse learning needs.

We delivered a space that supports and drives the Academy’s academic ethos making the library the heart of the school and an engaging and enjoyable experience for all. A space that will support and drive the development of both academic and personal success. Our design planned to stimulate and motivate the students of Chellaston Academy with a fabulous space that now meets contemporary needs and requirements.

We recognise that students today need more than quiet study nooks—they need adaptable spaces that can shift between individual study, group work, and collaboration. Our shelving solutions ensured flexibility that enables group events. We ensured movable furniture, and modular areas that enabled students to reconfigure spaces based on their needs, whether they are working solo or in a team.

We created an enchanting space within the academy, a space that held its own identity. The library itself is spaced over two floors with the lower part of the library becoming a cosy, quiet study space. The modular feature seating creates an interesting and dynamic zone in the library.

The upper floor was designed to create a large, flexible space enabling collaboration and group study/reading sessions. Zoning the library into "quiet" areas for deep focus and "collaborative" zones for group discussions ensured that all types of learners could feel accommodated. Soundproofing and thoughtful layout design made these zones distinct yet harmonious.

We are library people, we know accessibility for all students, including those with physical disabilities or specific learning needs is essential. Incorporating wheelchair-friendly layouts, and a quiet sensory-friendly room ensures that everyone can thrive in the space. Offering a variety of learning environments also supports neurodiverse students, catering to different learning styles.

Feature graphic elements were designed with the help of the students themselves which gives a real personal touch and sense of ownership to the space. Colours used in the soft furnishings and feature green shelving ensured all aspects of library design were seamlessly integrated.

Designing with sustainability in mind is always key to what we do and is increasingly important, so we try to reduce the library’s environmental footprint while creating healthier spaces for students wherever possible.

We love Chellaston Academy and how it has been transformed into a vibrant, adaptable space that supports student success in every form—academically, socially, and personally. We know we have created a library that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Quote from client

“From our very first discussion with Deanna at thedesignconcept, she understood our vision for Chellaston Academy – an adaptable, sophisticated space that catered for a wide range of students. We are very happy with the library layout which continues to give as our ambitions for reading grow in the library. As a library design team, we found thedesignconcept to be forward-thinking, solution focussed and very sympathetic towards the needs of the school”.

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