Inspired

Sheffield University’s latest building at its Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has been handed over.

Bond Bryan Architects’ Design Prototyping Testing Centre provides engineering design and prototyping expertise to help UK manufacturers develop innovative high-value products in such industries as aerospace.

With a construction cost of £4.3 million, the two-storey centre is a mix of regular scaled research spaces and double-height workshop space.  Externally the centre uses Kalwall, Alucobond and masonry.

It is designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of “very good” being linked to the centre’s existing ground source heat pumps and wind turbine systems.

Darren Southgate, Bond Bryan Director said, “This is the latest development at the Advanced Manufacturing Campus, a world leading, globally recognised centre of manufacturing excellence”.

We are delighted to have been appointed by The University of Sheffield to design the first two major projects awarded via its new Consultants’ Framework.

The Faculty of Engineering’s “Heartspace” scheme (above) is the latest in a series of projects at the Faculty’s St George’s city centre site.  The phased redevelopment and refurbishment of the entire site was triggered by a major study by Bond Bryan, in collaboration with Turner & Townsend and ARUP, which identified a 15-year development framework.  Refurbishment works together with a new Bond Bryan designed Graduate School are already close to completion.

The “Heartspace” scheme will enclose an existing courtyard to create an exciting social space and improved communication across the site, plus new research accommodation.

Factory 2050, involving supporters such as Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Spirit AeroSystems, is to be built at the Bond Bryan designed Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.  It will explore new manufacturing techniques, building upon the Centre’s reputation as a global centre of excellence for the design, prototyping and manufacture of high-value components.  Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime minister said, “I’m delighted that the University, Business and Government have all come together to make this exciting project happen.”

The name of our Bradford College building (under construction) has been revealed: The David Hockney Building.

Earlier this year a competition was launched inviting staff and students to name the new college building, which is set to give a major boost to the regeneration of Bradford.

Signalling his approval, famous college alumni and internationally acclaimed artist, David Hockney said, “I am thrilled that Bradford College has requested to name their new building after me, and of course I am delighted to give my consent.”

English painter, printmaker, photographer and stage designer – one of the best known British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries – Hockney joined Bradford College when it was known as Bradford Regional Art School in 1953, graduating with honours in 1957.

Susan Stones, a member of staff working in the college’s Further Education Registry, came up with the name. Principal Michele Sutton OBE presented the competition winner with an iPad. Speaking on behalf of prize sponsors Bond Bryan Architects, Matthew Hutton said: “It’s really exciting; I’ve designed buildings in the past but never been part of the naming process.”

The eco-friendly campus is sympathetic to the large-scale mill and warehouse buildings that characterise parts of Bradford.