The Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology
Crawley, West Sussex
Project Value:
£285KWeeks on site:
12Project Overview
The Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT) at Crawley College is a £15 million facility that gives the region a new home for higher-level technical education. A unique collaboration between universities and industry partners, it is dedicated to delivering the skills local employers need. Students can study engineering, construction and digital technologies alongside universities, colleges and employers.
Pinnacle worked with the college team and architects Bond Bryan to develop the furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) for the new building.
The Brief
The college was still shaping its curriculum when the project began, so flexibility and adaptability became the priority. The spaces had to accommodate evolving teaching methods and support future growth.
The building would host a range of technology-focused courses, including 3D printing, engineering and construction. The college also wanted a contemporary, engaging environment that would appeal to students as much as it supported them.
That created two challenges for Pinnacle. The furniture had to stay useful as the college’s needs developed. It also had to balance the practical demands of technology-led learning with a welcoming feel that encourages students to engage, collaborate and study independently.
What We Did
Pinnacle provided FF&E design, supply and installation, working closely with the college and the wider project team to create a scheme that combined flexibility, functionality and style. The furniture was specified for classrooms, breakout areas, the reception, design and technology and independent study spaces, and meeting rooms.
Education interiors often lean on uniform furniture and neutral colours. We took a different route. We mixed furniture types, seating heights and collaborative settings, so students can choose the space that suits how they work.
The furniture package included:
- Flexible learning furniture that adapts to different teaching and learning activities.
- Collaborative and independent study areas, with booths, soft seating and individual study options.
- High-level seating that gives students alternative working positions.
- Mobile screens that divide space, add privacy and support different layouts.
- A livelier colour palette that replaces the usual education colours and greys, with the college’s backing for a more visually engaging design.
The Result
Feedback at the open day was overwhelmingly positive. Pinnacle spoke with the Head of College and several course leaders, who were excited about the new learning environments and how they will help deliver courses.
They were especially pleased to have modern, purpose-designed spaces that support students’ learning, development and progression. It’s exactly what we aim for on every education project: flexible, engaging spaces that keep working as a college’s needs change.
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