Traditionally, the response of schools and colleges has been to bring in a portable temporary building until longer-term solutions can be put in place. But this can lead to the use of poor quality structures - and everyone is aware how "temporary" can become "permanent" as funding is diverted elsewhere once the immediate crisis is over.
But now, new technological developments mean that permanent buildings can be erected within a matter of weeks, sometimes with the shell being prepared off-site while the school site itself is cleared and made ready to receive the building.
Particularly popular among buildings of this type is the NorthlightTM from Conport Structures, which has been pioneered at such institutions as the Arts Institute at Bournemouth, Chelsea College of Art & Design, Runshaw College, Tameside College, Reigate College and Camberwell College of Arts.
As Andrew Merton of Conport points out, "Usually schools and colleges are able to plan their building work well ahead, but emergencies and changes of plan do occur, and where this is the case it is vital that schools are aware they do not have to fall back on poor quality temporary accommodation which is totally inadequate for everyday teaching and learning."
For more on Conport and its educational building programme please see http://www.conport.co.uk/ or call 020 7730 9105 or e-mail us on mail@conport.co.uk or fill in our online enquiry form www.conport.co.uk/enquiry.html
