Client
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Location
Sidgwick Site | Cambridge
Sidgwick Site | Cambridge
Sector
Education
Education
Our Roles
Space Appraisal
Test Fits & Space Planning
Design Concept
Full FF&E Specification
3D Visualisation
Budget Control
Furniture Specification & Supply
Furniture & Design Management
"Working with Ralph + Smith to design our postgraduate workspace has been a very positive and collegiate experience. They listened carefully to our goals, showed remarkable patience throughout the process, and brought a clear, creative vision to the project. The result is a thoughtfully crafted space that balances comfort, practicality, and aesthetic appeal.
Thanks to Ralph + Smith, our students now have a workspace that encourages productivity, concentration, and pride in their surroundings. It’s a place where serious study feels supported and inspired. It not only supports their academic journey but also inspires meaningful collaboration and community."
Fiona Harrison I Institute Administrator I Institute of Criminology
The Institute of Criminology, situated on the Sidgwick Site in Cambridge, is a department within the University of Cambridge under the Faculty of Law. Founded in 1959 by Sir Leon Radzinowicz, with support from the Wolfson Foundation and the Howard League for Penal Reform, it is one of the oldest criminology research institutions in Europe.
The Institute houses the Radzinowicz Library, widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive criminology collections in the UK and internationally recognised for its breadth and depth.
Ralph + Smith were commissioned to design a dedicated Postgraduate Work Hub within the Institute. The design brief emphasised the need for a mature, professional atmosphere, reflecting the fact that many of the students using the space are practising professionals in the criminal justice field.
The Work Hub is intended to support both collaborative and independent study. Despite its proximity to the Radzinowicz Library, the space was designed to allow for quiet conversation and interaction among students. Consultation with current postgraduate students revealed a strong preference for a variety of work settings, including individual study pods, collaborative desks, and soft seating options.
Key design considerations included task-specific lighting, effective acoustic treatment, and the selection of sustainable materials and furnishings.
Institute of Criminology
Postgrad Work Hub
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