University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building Bristol, UK

Sheppard Robson’s competition-winning design responds to the University’s vision of creating a world-class research and teaching facility which will attract international students and academics. The architectural ambition of the project was to create a building that respects the neighbouring listed buildings and surrounding conservation area whilst also adding a confident piece of contemporary design to Bristol.

The building is arranged in two parallel wings, with the east-facing element housing the office accommodation and responding to the proportion and massing of the adjacent listed buildings. Distinctly different in form, the west-facing wing is designed as an undulating aluminium wall, signifying the cutting-edge laboratory space housed in that part of the building. The two elements of the building are linked by a full height atrium space, which forms the social heart of the building.

The east wing of the Life Sciences Building houses non-laboratory spaces, such as offices and seminar rooms. These areas require less floor-to-floor space than the laboratory areas so the eastern elevation facing St Michael’s Hill can be reduced in height, responding to the scale of the neighbouring conservation area. The east façade of the building is divided into vertical bays, with the finish alternating between Bath stone and render to reflect the domestic architecture of the area. The massing of this block is stepped in order to conceal the profile of the building when viewed from the city below.

The west-facing wing is wrapped in a wall of natural anodised aluminium which acts as a counterpoint to the more traditional east-facing façade. The shape of the façade is determined by the design of the laboratories inside, covering the ducts that drop from roof-level plant enclosures down the West façade to supply air to each laboratory.

One of the key drivers for the project is to increase the opportunities for interaction between researchers, staff, students and visitors. The generous atrium spaces addressed this by creating a social hub for the building with meeting and circulation spaces. The atrium also contains display cabinets to showcase Bristol University’s extensive collection of specimens and artefacts.

The client has noted that the new building has boosted the department's popularity, with applications for Biological Sciences courses increasing by 40% in two years.

Client

University of Bristol

Size: 13,500 m²

Completion: 2014

Awards

RIBA - Shortlisted
Education Estates Awards - Shortlisted

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Understanding

The architectural ambition of the project was to create a building that respects the neighboring listed buildings and surrounding conservation area whilst also adding a confident piece of contemporary design to Bristol. Previously located in listed buildings that encouraged siloed departments and offices, the project not only co-locates teams but would encourage dialogue and interaction between, acting as a catalyst for a new, more open academic culture.

Design Process

The design team highlighted an opportunity to create a bolder architectural language for the westfacing elevation that acts as a counterpoint to the more traditional east-facing façade. This sinuous wall of natural anodised aluminium covers the external ducts that drop from roof-level plant enclosures down the West façade to supply air to each laboratory.

Moving the ducts to the outside of the building makes reconfiguring the internal modular laboratory spaces easier, allowing the facility to adapt to future requirements.

Successes

The building’s architectural presence has been recognised as “the perfect demonstration of the complex scientific activities that take place within” by a prominent architectural critic. Followup sessions with the client and the building’s user have identified that the series of deft design moves of the interior spaces has also led to much more visibility and interaction between departments and academics, with a user commenting on how he now he has many informal, chance encounters which were not possible in a non-purpose built building.

The visual impact of the design has been a beacon for the department, with admissions increasing by 40% since the building’s completion.