Presented with an intricate brief requiring innovation and collaboration, PM Devereux and Allies and Morrison joined to develop a creative response to meet King’s College London’s (King’s) needs for this new research facility. The finished design has been recognised for its original response receiving both a RIBA National Award and RIBA London Award.
The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute provides flexible, sustainable accommodation comprising research laboratories for stroke and head injury, neurogenetics, epilepsy and neurodegeneration, with office and seminar spaces. The mission of the project was to harness the power of the very latest scientific technologies in genetics, cell biology and brain imaging to advance our understanding of neurological diseases and translate this into improved care for patients.
For PM Devereux and Allies and Morrison, the brief was to provide a new home for the Neuroscience Division of King’s world leading Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and facilitate a crucial link between laboratory research and new therapies by bringing together, in one building, clinicians and scientists. It also called for a cohesive visual identity for the campus by establishing the new building as a focal point. The design includes a new public court linking the group of research buildings, with a café and a high quality public realm for increased security and interaction.
Sustainability measures designed from the outset reduce energy demand: external shading; solar control to reduce cooling load; energy efficient pumps and fans; high efficiency chillers and boilers; high efficiency lighting and PIR controls for unoccupied areas.
Nic Allen, Principal Director at PM Devereux commented: “It is fantastic to receive both the RIBA National Award and the RIBA London Award for the Maurice Wohl building. The brief presented a number of challenges and I want to congratulate our team in PM Devereux and Allies and Morrison’s team for their creativity and innovation – this is our fifth successful joint project together. The finished project meets the demands of scientific research developments and anticipates how the facility can meet future requirements.
Paul Appleton Partner of Allies and Morrison said: “We were delighted to partner with PM Devereux on this project. The opportunity to collaborate allowed both teams to develop a creative response to a varied and complex brief. The finished project is one which allows for continued sustainable research for many years to come”.
In response to the award and the finished project, Christopher Shaw, Professor of Neurology and Neurogenetics and Director of the Institute explained: “When we began this project we knew we had a challenging task because the techniques we use to study the brain are rapidly evolving. PM Devereux and Allies and Morrison came to us with an exciting concept which not only met our current requirements but they were able to anticipate our future needs which will keep us ahead of the field in the competitive world of Neuroscience”.
For more information on the awards you can visit – https://www.architecture.com/Awards/Awards2016/RegionalAwards/RegionalAwards2016.aspx
and on the Maurice Wohl Neuroscience Institute