Years of building modifications had left the university relying on outdated records, creating obstacles for effective project planning and execution across their campus.
With a commitment to maintaining their position as a leading global university, accurate spatial documentation became crucial for building restoration, rejuvenation, and divestment.
Contract Challenges
The complexity of managing a historic university estate demands precise spatial information. Durham’s Space Management team found their existing documentation increasingly unreliable, making it difficult to plan refurbishment projects effectively. With multiple stakeholders requiring accurate building information, the need for comprehensive surveying and geospatial surveys became paramount.
Managing such a diverse estate, from historic buildings to modern teaching facilities, presented unique challenges. Each building cluster required different approaches, and access needed careful coordination to minimise disruption to academic activities. The project’s scope encompassed everything from detailed internal layouts to external topographical surveys, all requiring completion within specific timeframes to align with the university’s development programme.
Our Approach
Working with the university’s Space Management team, our specialist land and building surveying company, Lucion Survey Ltd, developed a strategic surveying programme that prioritised both accuracy and efficiency.
By utilising Trimble X9 laser scanning equipment, our team of 8-10 surveyors dedicated to this project captured detailed point cloud data and 360° imagery, delivering highly accurate measurements while minimising disruption to campus activities. This data was then processed into precise 2D CAD drawings following ISO 13567 standards.
Working in Live University Buildings
Understanding the unique demands of a busy university campus, we implemented a flexible scheduling system that adapted to different building uses and occupancy patterns. Our team worked closely with facility managers to coordinate access during periods of lowest occupancy. By grouping buildings into logical clusters, we created a more efficient documentation process that captured not only individual buildings but also their relationship with the surrounding campus environment.
The technical complexity of the project required careful consideration of various building elements, from historical architectural features to modern mechanical and electrical installations.
Our surveyors processed data in real-time on site, ensuring exceptional accuracy and allowing immediate verification of complex building features. This approach enabled us to identify and address any challenges promptly, maintaining project momentum.
The Outcome
Through our comprehensive building and surveying programme, we’ve helped transform how Durham University approaches their estate management. Our detailed documentation provides the Space Management team with reliable spatial information that supports both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic planning.
Our surveys deliver precise information about building layouts, space utilisation, and external areas, creating a robust foundation for future development decisions.
Further, the accurate data collected now enables Durham University to:
- Plan and execute refurbishment projects with confidence
- Make informed decisions about space utilisation and allocation
- Maintain reliable records for future estate development
- Coordinate effectively across multiple stakeholders
- Support their ongoing commitment to providing excellent student experiences
Beyond the immediate project deliverables, our partnership with Durham University demonstrates the value of combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of higher educational estates management. The successful delivery of this complex surveying programme has established a framework for ongoing estate documentation that will support the university’s development for years to come.
