University of Worcester, Worcester

Courtyard study and social areas have been given a new dimension with the addition of a series of waterproof parasols.

The University of Worcester approached Broxap to design, manufacture and install a number of high-quality, stylish canopies at its St John’s and City campus sites. The university was looking to develop the versatility of existing outdoor seating areas to encourage use by students and staff.

In addition to making the areas more attractive, the canopies aim to provide shelter from the wind and rain, and shade from the sun, so that they can be comfortably used all year round.

As well as offering protection from the elements, the parasols, designed to withstand extreme gales and heavy snow, create a focal point.
At St John’s campus, Broxap supplied a strong twin parasol tensile structure mounted on two galvanised steel columns, as well as a fixed square parasol, at the students’ union.

The twin canopy provides a greater area of cover, so varying numbers of freestanding tables and chairs, placed at suitable social distances, can be positioned underneath to benefit.

The fixed square parasol mirrors the same design and material, providing cover over a smaller area for use by different sized groups.
A further two curved edge fixed square parasols were installed nearby at the main Edward Elgar Building, with two more at City campus right in the heart of Worcester.

All the parasols were manufactured in white, waterproof PVC with the support structures powder coated to BS 10-A-07 Nimbus Grey.

Lead time was a key factor on this £100,000 project and with Broxap offering a range of standard designs in different styles and sizes, to a consistently high quality, it was able to successfully meet the university’s tight deadline.

Andy Lewis, projects manager at the University of Worcester, said: "In a direct response to the Covid pandemic, there was an urgent need to create socially distanced external seating areas for both study purposes and an additional dining facility.

"Broxap responded in a timely manner to provide the new facilities to a tight time frame. The covered seating areas are used on a regular basis and has assisted in being able to provide a much-needed additional facility."