THE ROTUNDA, SLOUGH

Surface to Air’s Rotunda building is an exemplar design of a pupil referral unit. It provides a programme for children excluded from main school education in Slough between the ages of 13 and 16. The existing building was typical of what many pupil referral units tend to be - claustraphobic, cellular, prison-like and dark with no texture or colour. Our design for the building was to create the opposite - to make the building appear accessible, open, light, colourful and modern but still secure, flexible and durable. We wanted the building to exemplify the success of the rehabilitation programme taking place within it. Also, by providing good design, we wanted to inspire the students and teachers to keep achieving. The 400k scheme involved an extensive refurbishment and remodelling, and a completely new mechanical and electrical system. The entrance is opened up with the use of secure reglit glazing and a new canopy. The central performance space (the drum) is revealed from the outside in and provides the compass point for the scheme - orientating the visitor through the spaces through the play of light, colour and movement.