University of Manchester

The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons is a state-of-the-art 21st century learning environment at the University of Manchester. The landmark building was designed to encourage study in a stimulating and comfortable environment that is available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Frem worked closely with Broadstock Office Furniture Ltd to deliver a technology solution that meets the requirements of space optimisation, invisible cable management with full user connectivity and IT hardware security.

All of the desking units, plus a large quantity of soft seating and refectory furniture, were fitted with the desk integrated technology (FG Technology) PC remote controls. This remote unit replicates all the standard controls of a CPU tower and can be fitted directly into work surfaces, allowing the tower to be installed securely and safely anywhere within a radius of 20 metres. 

Key features of this Technology were invisible cabling with full PC user connectivity, Security of hardware within 24 hour facility and Space optimisation by removal of PC from immediate workspace.