St Thomas Primary School

Background

The £6.7 million development of the brand new St Thomas Community School in Swansea provides a brand new school in the heart of the community. The new 21st century school replaces the old primary school and includes a nursery and brand new library resource for the whole community to make use of.

Mike Day, cabinet member for education at Swansea council said "The new school will provide a wonderful facility for the children of St Thomas. The community will also benefit from the additional services included in the development."

The school has also received support from the Welsh Assembly Minister Jane Davidson who stated that the new school fitted in very well with her vision for more community focused schools. She stated that the development would help make her vision a reality by providing improved facilities for children and the community of St Thomas.

The Challenge

The challenge for FG Library was in designing a comprehensive library resource centre that would appeal equally to both the pupils and the local community alike. The library needed to continue the light and airy feeling of the school environment and yet have clearly differentiated areas to cater for a wide range of differing uses. It was also important to ensure that the entire library had a cohesive and co-ordinated look which has been reflected in the products and materials used.

Our Solution

Light maple was chosen for the library and is continued through the flexible Calypso shelving, the bespoke reception counter and the IT suite. The signage and furniture in differing shades of blue complemented this choice to perfection.

Easy seating is interspersed throughout the non-linear shelving arrangement and provides for an interesting and engaging use of space as well as providing the ample seating which is so important, especially to the older members of the community.

The designated children's section provides a clearly defined yet warm and welcoming environment and the specially developed graphical treatment on the signage provides clear direction in both Welsh and English.