Materials Innovation Factory

Located in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) is a pioneering research environment designed to foster collaboration between academia and industry. The interiors bring together researchers, scientists, and partners from across disciplines in an environment that balances advanced technology with human connection — a space where innovation feels both intuitive and inspiring.

A soaring central atrium forms the heart of the building — a bright, open space that connects research zones, offices, and social areas, encouraging interaction and the exchange of ideas. Natural light floods through the building, creating a sense of energy and openness that contrasts with the precision of the laboratories and research suites beyond.

The interior palette combines clarity and warmth: clean lines and refined materials are softened by tactile finishes and daylight, creating an environment that feels both technical and humane. Informal breakout zones and flexible meeting areas are interspersed throughout the building, allowing spontaneous collaboration and fostering a sense of community among researchers and industry partners.

Acoustic comfort, lighting quality, and ergonomic layouts were central to the design, supporting long working hours in high-intensity research environments while promoting wellbeing and focus. The result is a workspace that unites high performance with human-centred design — a balance between rigour and relaxation.

MIF was conceived as a catalyst for cross-disciplinary research, where the physical environment actively supports innovation. The interior design reinforces this mission through spatial connectivity, intuitive circulation, and adaptable work settings that accommodate both individual concentration and group collaboration.

A key design feature is the interplay between private laboratory spaces and shared social zones. Transparent partitions and generous sightlines enable visual connection, promoting a sense of openness and shared purpose without compromising safety or precision.

This flexibility ensures that the building can evolve with scientific and technological progress — providing a future-proofed interior that continues to meet changing research needs.

MIF has had a transformative impact on the University of Liverpool and the wider Knowledge Quarter. The facility has become a model for how workplace design can enable scientific collaboration, supporting one of the highest concentrations of automated materials research equipment in the world.

Beyond its core research function, MIF serves as a community asset — hosting tours, educational programmes, and apprenticeship opportunities that engage local students and inspire future innovators. The building’s welcoming interiors have helped strengthen ties between academia, industry, and the public, making it not only a centre for discovery but also a place of inspiration and connection.

Energy-efficient systems, low-carbon materials, and passive environmental design strategies work in tandem with smart technologies to minimise energy use and operational costs. Flexible infrastructure ensures longevity and reduces waste by allowing spaces to be reconfigured as research priorities evolve.

Through its commitment to wellbeing, adaptability, and environmental responsibility, MIF demonstrates how interior design can drive innovation — shaping not just how people work, but how they connect, collaborate, and create a sustainable future.