Released on: May 5, 2008, 6:04 am

Press Release Author: Holyrood Partnership

Industry: Agriculture

Press Release Summary: Researchers working to improve global food supplies have been
given a boost after their Scottish base was refurbished by workplace experts to make
it more user friendly.

The Dundee information centre and offices of scientists at the Scottish Crop
Research Institute (SCRI) play a key role in helping to improve worldwide crop
yields.

However, the repository of knowledge - essential in the effort to develop crops
which can better survive drought, famine, pestilence and global warming - was a drab
and under-used 1960s building.

Now the outdated facility, at Invergowrie, has been given a £200,000 upgrade by
Space Solutions, whose experts looked at all factors limiting use of the space, then
designed a complete solution.


Press Release Body: Researchers working to improve global food supplies have been
given a boost after their Scottish base was refurbished by workplace experts to make
it more user friendly.

The Dundee information centre and offices of scientists at the Scottish Crop
Research Institute (SCRI) play a key role in helping to improve worldwide crop
yields.

However, the repository of knowledge - essential in the effort to develop crops
which can better survive drought, famine, pestilence and global warming - was a drab
and under-used 1960s building.

Now the outdated facility, at Invergowrie, has been given a £200,000 upgrade by
Space Solutions, whose experts looked at all factors limiting use of the space, then
designed a complete solution.

That is already paying dividends, with significant increase in the numbers of staff
using it and Phil Taylor, Head of Communications and Information Services at SCRI,
said:

"This information centre is a resource of worldwide importance. The science of
breeding crops has never had greater relevance given the challenges the world faces
from a growing population and climate change.

"Everyone is seeing food prices rising because of factors such as drought and crop
diseases. These issues are not going away. Here we have some of the most important
research stretching back decades, yet the information centre was so dark and dreary
it was actually a barrier to it being used.

"Now we have a space that is light-filled, airy and a pleasure to work in. We have
seen a huge increase in usage, which benefits everybody."

The team from Space Solutions established the critical factors to improve the work
space, designed and delivered the refurbishment, including motion and
brightness-sensor lighting, ingenious shelving solutions, and clever use of flooring
and open plan spacing.


Space Solutions is Scotland's biggest independent expert in the design, fit out and
relocation of office and business spaces. It has bases in Dundee, Aberdeen,
Edinburgh, Glasgow and Peterborough and works with clients to help them achieve
innovative, attractive and productive workplaces.

Its professional team includes architects, interior designers, workplace planners,
relocation specialists, surveyors and project managers. During the SCRI project
Space Solutions provided a complete service including design, fit out and relocation
of staff.

The seven week project also saw the team coordinate careful removal of 16,000
academic volumes which were then catalogued. They were returned after reorganisation
of the filing system to reflect the improved shelving layout.

Stephen Griffiths, Senior Interior Designer at Space Solutions, said: "The proof of
the success is that far greater numbers of staff are now using this area. One of the
most rewarding aspects of this job is when people realise how changes like these can
genuinely improve their working lives."

Many of the improvements at the SCRI building were achieved with more efficient
library storage and shelving, to create additional light and space. The reception
area was also extended and an L-shaped open-plan area was created by converting a
former 1959sq ft photographic studio. It now has 30 desks and a meeting space for
SCRI's 350 staff.

Space Solutions also offers a Sustainability Service and installed an
energy-efficient sensor lighting system at SCRI. Motion sensors switch off lights in
unused areas. Brightness of the bulbs also varies to maintain lighting at a constant
level.

Stephen added: "In an age where libraries, even as information centres, are facing
ever-increasing challenges to attract users it is important they become more
appealing.

"At a research institute such a facility is an integral part of their work. It is a
resource they simply could not afford to lose, so something had to be done.

"There are a lot of dark and dingy libraries which could really do with the
injection of life there has been at SCRI. It would be sad to see libraries close
when adding a bit of light and managing the space better could really invigorate
them."

ENDS


Web Site: http://

Contact Details: Issued on behalf of Space Solutions by Holyrood Partnership.
Contact Suzanne Mackie on (0131) 561 2244 or info@holyroodpr.co.uk.