The continuing development of Nottingham University Campus saw a small courtyard adjacent to the historic Portland Building transformed to create an external communal eating area to serve the existing refectory.

The building is one the University's most used locations and as such, robust external furniture was a necesssity.

The facade is an impressive Portland stone construction, set in a prominent position that looks out over the rest of the campus. With this in mind, architects CPMG wanted furniture that was sympathetic to the building but also with a modern design to reflect the recently refurbished interior.

Curved items from Benchmark's Centerline range of street furniture were selected, as they could be configured to give a more organic layout in contrast to the rectangular space.

Circular tables with large curved benches were used, creating a number of pocket areas around the outer edges with the central area consisting of smaller tables surrounded with stainless steel stools.

The Centerline range offers great flexibility to the architect as it can be curved to any radius and this, matched with the robustness and longevity of 316 stainless steel, makes it an ideal choice for areas that are heavily used.

Overall the scheme allows for a low maintenance, user-friendly socialising area that will complement the quality of the adjacent building for years to come.