The University Competition sought to procure multi-disciplinary design services for a New Engineering and Design Facility (NEDF) on its main city centre campus.
As well as accommodating the School of Engineering, the NEDF building will provide additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture. The facility is intended to further enhance the University鈥檚 ability to lead and innovate, particularly within the fields of digital fabrication and rapid prototyping, as well as fostering links between University activities and the business community.
The anticipated project scope involves re-provision and relocation of the School of Engineering鈥檚 current functions within a dedicated new-build component of c.3,140m2 with the associated refurbishment of the 1970s Babbage Building. This latter element will provide a defined area of dedicated space for the functions relocated within it, together with refreshing remaining spaces and addressing identified maintenance issues. The anticipated net area for the combined new build and refurbishment components is 10,650m2. Given its prominent location on the western edge of the campus, the NEDF will need to provide a successful insertion within the wider city landscape and be an exemplar of a low energy-use building.
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios were selected as the winners of the competition.