New ways to work and play

The much anticipated extensions to the Library and ISE (formerly the Institute of Sport and Exercise) have been completed adding a contemporary vibrancy to the existing structures and continuing the regeneration of the campus.

Both new buildings have radically altered their entrance areas, extended their facilities and created bold new identities.

ISE, which opened on November 19, now boasts the largest gym in Tayside, two new fitness studios, three squash courts, a designated martial arts zone and a strength performance centre (SPC).

Built over three floors the £4million development has been designed to challenge customer perceptions of sports facilities.

"It doesn't look traditional at all," said Osla Allen, ISE's exercise coordinator. "The entrance, for example, is designed to feel more like a gallery or a café. There are double height ceilings and glass walls, making the whole space light and vibrant."

"We want ISE to be welcoming to all customers, especially people who haven't been before and want to give it a try."

The new reception area provides level access to the rest of the building and leads into the new 400 m2 gym which extends up to a mezzanine level and includes state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weights machines.

There are also personal viewing screens with built-in mp4 docking stations where those using the equipment can download, music, films or workouts to their bike, cross-trainer, stepper or treadmill.

On the second floor there is a fitness studio and the SPC. Part funded by sportscotland the SPC is equipped with free weights and is designed for elite athletes. However gym+ and gym members who are keen weightlifters will also be able to exercise there.

On level three there are three competition standard squash courts and another fitness studio with panoramic views of the campus and the Tay.

If the new extensive facilities and landmark design are not incentive enough to get more visitors through the door ISE staff have also used the extension work to introduce more services, with a stronger focus on lifestyle choices.

"We have extended the opening hours," said Osla. "We are now open from 7.00 am to 9.30pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. That means we can offer new classes in the evening, at the weekend and in the morning before work."

"We have also extended our personal health services with our physiologist Helen Weavers. Not only will Helen measure your body fat levels, you can learn about healthy eating, energy balance and boosting your metabolism. There is also a new treatment room for massage and our new sports physio service."

Osla added that the new look ISE will be offering four different types of membership to suit different customer needs. In addition they are introducing a "try-before-you-buy" offer to let potential customers sample the different services ISE has to offer.

"We don't want people to pay for a membership and then not use the facilities so we're saying give us a tenner and you can try four sessions and see if we're your sport or exercise cup of tea," she explained. "We're sure that once people try us out they'll want to come back again and again."

"Being active is for life, not just for Christmas. We see so many new faces in January that have disappeared by the end of March because people have broken their New Year fitness resolutions. Our tip is to choose doing something you actually enjoy, so that you're more likely to be still going in September."

"We're hoping the new ISE makes it easier for people to join in whatever takes their fancy and have fun while they're doing it."

For more information visit the ISE website at www.dundee.ac.uk/ise or contact Osla on o.j.allen@dundee.ac.uk

The new £6 million library extension will literally turn the facility around. The three-storey structure which was completed at the end of October includes a stunning new entrance way which will, by next summer, see the entire library shift to look out onto Cross Row.

Associate Librarian Denise Jackson explained that the shift in focus forms part of the overall campus plan to create a more cohesive and integrated campus.

"The whole library is turning round to face the other way," she said. "It will have a more central outlook. We're also hoping the new entrance will be used as a display space as it is very light with lots of glass and high ceilings."

The light, bright atmosphere continues inside the new extension with space designed for teaching and research rooms, e-learning areas, study areas, office accommodation and a glass-fronted, ground-floor Intrernet café.

"We're planning to zone areas so that those who want to do group work or use IT while they talk with others will be able to do so without disturbing those who prefer silent study," said Denise.

"We also have a teaching room with pcs and a specially designated research room, with microfilm readers. There will be much more space for students to work in and it should be a more pleasant environment."

"The inclusion of the café will, I'm sure, be popular and it will allow students to take a break without having to leave the building."

Denise added that although building work was now complete there would be a phased opening to the new extension with staff training and installation of IT equipment taking place up until the Christmas holidays.

"In January we will start to reconfigure the space in the original building and by the summer the new entrance will open and the whole building will be fully operational. However students will have access to the study spaces before the end of this semester."