An innovative research facility that fosters a culture of collaboration across scientific boundaries
The Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre (MIB) is an architectural gem which quickly won critical approval, picking up local, national and international awards. It represents the new face of research in the UK and an electrophoretic DNA fenestration pattern proudly identifies the MIB as a building of science.
So, how do you get multi-skilled scientists from different disciplines to cross boundaries and work together? The MIB is home to a diverse community of researchers from six disciplines—biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computation and engineering. What Stantec’s design does is create opportunities for these researchers to interact. Using spatial analysis technology during the design stages, it was possible to predict people’s movements and identify traffic hot spots. By locating kitchen, social, and informal meeting areas at these hot spots we significantly increased the chance meetings between a wide variety of researchers and impromptu discussions.
Materials inspired by Manchester’s important civic buildings are used to codify the MIB. The offices are clad in limestone with extensive glazing towards the street, while copper was used to clad the labs. The MIB is a new landmark for Manchester.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Awards
- Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Excellence in Design, 2006 Building of the Year
- Roses Award, 2006 Design Awards, Public Building, Bronze
- Institution of Structural Engineers Award, Structural Awards, Best Education, 2006 Commendation
Christina Cattelan, Senior Associate, Project Leader
A head teacher recently remarked, ‘I can’t believe it, this is wonderful, exactly what you presented to us all that time ago.’ Sometimes delight is derived from simply joining the dots.
David Martin, Vice President, Design Director, Buildings
My passion is engaging with our clients, synthesising their needs and opportunities into a convergence of form, function, and beauty.
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