The design of the new building represents an X-shaped chromosome and is both striking to look at and excellent to work in, with a large atrium and circulation space joining two assymetrical blocks. It incorporates state-of-the-art facilities for some 400 scientists and 200 support staff.
The site was challenging, alongside a hospital, sixth-form college and railway line. So BAM had to minimise disruption to the surrounding communities during comstruction.
We also had to manage the inherent risks in a lab building of noise, vibration, contaminants, rapid environmental change and potential failure of air or electrical supplies.
