Extended reality lab launched at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds
A college’s multi-million pound extended reality (XR) laboratory was officially opened today.
The West Suffolk College facility – at the University Professional & Development Centre in Western Way, Bury St Edmunds – cost £2 million to build, and has been described by Eastern Education Group CEO Nikos Savvas as a “space-age” design.
It will provide a space for students to engage with new and emerging technologies – namely virtual reality solutions.
The lab’s architect, Giovanni Patania, told an audience at the launch event that the design was inspired by sch blockbusters as Men in Black and 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Mr Patania said: “My experience as a leading architectural designer for Apple had a significant influence on the design of the XR Lab.
“We are extremely proud of being a part of the journey to reimagine the future of educational spaces.”
The project was made possible by funding from the Office for Students and the Eastern Education Group.
Jo Churchill, MP for Bury St Edmunds, cut the ribbon, officially opening the complex.
She told those gathered to mark the occasion: “The moment marks a significant in our journey towards embracing technology and revolutionising education.
“I have fought not to let rurality and location extinguish hope and aspiration – and today shows the art of the possible.”
The lab comes equipped with virtual reality headsets, a lecture theatre and wall-to-wall screens.
Dr Savvas emphasised that the lab’s presence will be felt beyond Bury St Edmunds itself.
He told the gathering: “What we’re going to do is ‘gamify’ the learning – so personalise it, turn it into experience, then turn into a game.
“This will revolutionise education, and democratise it for everyone.
“You don’t even need to come here to do it, because we can send one of the headsets to any home, so that you can experience it no matter how rural your community, no matter how far away form a central conurbation.”
He added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for us as educators, for the businesses using this facility, and for the talent the businesses can recruit.
“We are looking to be the leading institution for extended reality education and talent development for industries across post-16 education within the UK.”