b'Partner News Summer 2021 11AcademicThe state-of-the-art 12,000 sqm facilityproject we implemented a sustainabilityHead of the University of Birminghams spans five floors and features a double- strategy to ensure the facility would beSchool of Engineering, Professor Clive height atrium. The development aims to notbuilt and operated in an energy efficientRoberts, said: We are delighted to receive only bring together many of the institutionsway right from the outset, including thethe keys to the newly built School of engineering disciplines, but also provideoptimisation of Passivhaus design measures.Engineering. We are committed to providing opportunities for successful collaborationthe best facilities for our staff, students between academia and the industry. These efforts, combined with the adoptionand researchers, as well as enabling of our industry-leading Energy Synergycollaboration with our industry partners Procured through the Constructingprocess has enabled us to predict thatand encouraging different and more flexible West Midlands framework, the School of45% of the buildings energy consumptionways of working.Engineering puts industry at the heart ofwill come from unregulated sources, such the Universitys campus, alongside theIT equipment, lab equipment and externalWe are passionate about educating the 16.4m UK Rail Research and Innovationlighting. These sources are highly linkednext generation of engineers. Alongside Network (UKRRIN) Centre of Excellence into occupant usage and can fluctuateaccessing features such as the Design Digital Systems. throughout the buildings lifecycle. Centre and our expanded computer labs, Designed by Associated Architects, theour new building provides students with the The facilitys design was curated specificallySchool of Engineering demonstrates theopportunity to work with engineers across with agile and collaborative workingUniversitys commitment to providing first- the disciplines. Their learning will mirror the between academics, researchers, students,class engineering education.workplace, encouraging and developing and staff, in mind. The development offerstheir understanding of industry and their open plan spaces and cellular facilitiesThe development aims to improverole within it.including a dedicated Student Supportstudent experience, allowing engineering Hub, a new 179-capacity Design Centre,undergraduate and postgraduate studentsThe new building also sits alongside a 50-seat electronics and electricalto get involved in cutting-edge researchour new centre of excellence in railway focused projects space, 20 flexi-baysand ensuring students graduate with ainnovation, the UK Railway Research specifically allocated for staff and studentstrong connection to the industry.Innovation Network (UKRRIN) Digital interactions, three 50-seat seminar roomsSystems Innovation Centre, placing industry and also features 160 drop-in study spacesat the heart of our campus. In the coming throughout the building.months, we are looking forward to opening its doors to welcome staff, students and The basement also houses a full-sizeindustry partners.set of railway points, the Universitys pantograph test rig and a test track for theWarren Jukes, director from Associated scaled hydrogen-powered trainfurtherArchitects, said: This scheme has afforded expanding the universitys commitment tous the opportunity to design a beacon the integration of academia and industry. of engineering excellence, to attract the Nick Gibb, deputy managing director forworlds best academics and students to the Midlands at Willmott Dixon, said: Wethe University of Birmingham. The project are delighted to have completed such awas a major engineering feat, and we significant development, both regionallytake immense pride in overcoming the and within the sectorthe facility is set tochallenges it brought. We feel privileged to pioneer advancements within engineeringhave had the opportunity to work closely and digital systems research. with the School of Engineering, University and Willmott Dixon to realise such an Despite completing the final stages ofinspiring facility that will enable growth and the project during the Covid-19 pandemic,achieve research excellence.our teams optimised industry-leading safety and social distancing measures,As part of Willmott Dixons commitment which meant we were able to remainto leaving a legacy in the local community, on-site throughout the pandemic andthroughout the development the ultimately deliver the project to the agreedcontractor ran its Enrichment Programme timescales. This development is the fifthin partnership with the University of major partnership we have entered intoBirmingham School for local pupils. The with the University of Birmingham, havingprogramme was created to broaden recently completed the Teaching andThe facility is set to pioneerthe students understanding of career Learning Building, along with the Greenadvancements withinopportunities whilst giving them a chance Heart campus development. to develop their character virtues. The engineering and digitalcontractor also facilitated 157 student visits One of our main aspirations for thissystems research. to the site, hosted 71 work experience development was to provide a highlyweeks with local people and enabled 202 energy-efficient building. Throughout theweeks of on-site apprenticeship training.'