WSF 2030: School of Education and School of Social and Political Sciences
We are pleased to announce the launch of the School of Education and School of Social and Political Sciences Workspace Futures 2030 project, aimed at reimagining the Gilbert Scott Building workspaces.
This project is focused on designing an environment that strengthens collaboration, innovation, and wellbeing, setting the stage for the School of Social and Political Sciences and the School of Education move to the Gilbert Scott Building.
Project Update: Progress Through RIBA Stages 0–2 and What Comes Next
This project follows the RIBA Plan of Work which organises the briefing, designing, constructing and operating of a building into eight stages and explains the stage outcomes, core tasks and information exchanges required at each stage.
We are currently in RIBA Stage 2 (Concept Design), where we are working closely with our architects to further develop and shape the design direction. We are also engaging in pilots to test key ideas and gather colleagues' feedback and insights that will inform the next phase.
Below is a summary of the work completed across RIBA Stages 0 and 1, leading us to where we are today.
RIBA Stage 0 – Strategic Definition (Aligned with WSF 2030 Diagnose & Engage Stages)
The project began with an exploration of the Schools' working culture and needs. Through colleagues’ input, we gained insight into how the workspaces are currently used and what the building users future space aspirations are. Activities included:
- Work Mode Study: Mapping work modes and locations over five days to understand activity patterns and frequencies.
- Work Experience Survey: Capturing workplace experiences, collaboration behaviours, and space‑use preferences.
- Observations: A two‑day study to understand real‑world work patterns and uncover hidden needs.
This stage helped shape the project’s Strategic Intent and set the foundation for future design development.
RIBA Stage 1 – Preparation and Briefing
Building on the Diagnose findings, we moved into an engagement phase focused on validating insights and exploring the future experience of work. This included:
- Co‑creation Work Sessions: In‑person sessions to review data, test ideas, and collaboratively explore design solutions.
- Exhibition: Displaying proposed concepts for colleague feedback.
- Townhalls: In‑person and virtual discussions on the emerging design direction.
These activities helped to refine the brief and prepare the groundwork for Concept Design.
RIBA Stage 2 – Concept Design (Current Stage)
We have been developing design concepts alongside out architect partners, using the insights gathered through the Diagnose and Engage stages.
In parallel, we are running space pilots that allow us to:
- Test design assumptions
- Observe behaviour in the Gilbert Scott Building
- Gather data and feedback to shape design choices
This stage focuses on exploring and validating the design directions before moving into more detailed work.
What’s Next: RIBA Stage 3 – Spatial Coordination
RIBA Stage 3 will focus on developing the project design into a fully coordinated and resolved spatial arrangement, ensuring that architectural, structural, and engineering elements are properly integrated and aligned with planning and regulatory requirements. During this stage, the design progresses from concept to a detailed and coordinated scheme, involving design, engineering analysis, cost evaluation, and refinement. The objective is to produce a clear, feasible, and well‑coordinated design that can confidently progress toward technical design and planning submission.
Partnerships
The Diagnose and Engage stages of this project were guided by our partner, Steelcase: Applied Research & Consultancy, a global leader in workplace design and innovation. Steelcase's expertise is demonstrated in many of our campus projects (including James McCune Smith, Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre, Adam Smith Business School & PGT Hub). We will continue to engage with the team at key points during the project.
Hawkins\Brown is the architect working on this project. Known for its focus on creating engaging, people-centred environments with a strong social dimension, Hawkins\Brown brings valuable expertise to the process. The team is also currently involved in the development of the Innovation Plot for the University.
Stay Connected
For any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact us at workspace-programme@gla.systa-s.com.
If you have any questions, reach out to the project team at workspace-programme@gla.systa-s.com.
Read About The Workspace Futures 2030 Programme
WSF 2030 SSPS&SE Methods Overview