Creating Real-World Learning Spaces at Loughborough University Law School
Loughborough University required a design and fit-out solution for the Stewart Mason Building, now home to its Law School. The project formed part of a wider refurbishment to create a dedicated environment that brings teaching, study and social spaces together in one place. At the centre of the brief was a state-of-the-art moot courtroom, designed to support practical teaching and give students direct experience of courtroom advocacy. Alongside this, the university required modern teaching rooms, student study areas, meeting spaces and informal social areas that function together.
The challenge was to deliver a professional environment that reflects real legal settings while still supporting day-to-day university use. Spaces needed to be flexible, durable and easy to manage, while also enhancing the overall student experience and reinforcing Loughborough’s reputation.
Teaching Spaces and a Mock Courtroom That Work in Practice
We delivered a full design and fit-out across the Stewart Mason Building, creating an environment that supports both academic teaching and practical learning. The moot courtroom forms the focal point of the project. Designed to reflect a real legal setting, it provides students with a professional space to develop advocacy skills and build confidence. Layout, furniture and detailing were carefully considered to ensure the space feels authentic while remaining practical for regular use.
Alongside this, a series of flexible teaching rooms were created to support lectures, group work and discussion-based learning. Each space can be adapted quickly, with robust, flexible furniture that allows tutors to reconfigure layouts without disruption. Dedicated study areas, meeting rooms and informal social spaces were also integrated into the building. These give students a range of environments to work independently, collaborate, and spend time between sessions, helping the building function as a complete learning setting rather than a collection of rooms.
Planned and Delivered Without Disruption
Delivering the project within a live university environment required careful coordination from the outset. A clear programme ensured each phase of the fit-out was planned and sequenced to minimise impact on the wider campus.
Communication remained straightforward and consistent throughout, giving the university confidence in progress and timing. Attention to detail during installation was particularly important within the moot courtroom, where the finish needed to meet a higher standard. The same level of care was applied across all teaching and support spaces to ensure a consistent result.
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"It has been a great pleasure working with APSS. We have worked with them on various projects throughout the campus. They have met timelines and adapted to project constraints/issues. Clients have been happy with their friendly approach. Their professionalism and adaptiveness on projects have been highly commendable. Look forward to working with them in the future."
Loughborough University
The Outcome
The completed Law School at the Stewart Mason Building now provides a clear step change in both quality and usability.
- A dedicated moot courtroom that supports real-world legal training
- Flexible teaching spaces that adapt to different styles of learning
- Integrated study, meeting and social areas that support the full student experience
- A professional environment that reflects the standards expected of a leading university
The building now brings teaching, practice and student life together in one place. Spaces are more engaging and better aligned with how law is taught today.
