Engineering two was commissioned by Lancaster University to be an industry leading facility for the University’s Engineering department to complete research in a variety of fields. This includes Mechanical and Electrical engineering laboratories as well as biological and chemical research laboratories. Alongside these spaces the project delivered dedicated spaces designed for teaching and communal study/research accommodation.

After becoming involved at RIBA stage 4 after the contractor for the project was appointed we co-ordinated the design process moving forward and delivered the project to completion. As part of this process, we completed due diligence and reviewed existing internal planning for the building, identifying areas for improvement. This primarily resulted in a redesign of the buildings laboratories providing an optimised layout offering a greater level of adaptability for both researchers and teaching staff alike to suit their varying needs when using the space.

In addition to improving the internal layout, when evaluating the exterior of the building, the façade was identified as an area in which could be made more cost efficient, and the design could be refined to tie in better with the surrounding buildings. As a result of this, amendments to the designs were made in close consultation with the local authority and upon approval were implemented.

A key consideration when implementing the designs for the new school of engineering was ensuring that key equipment essential to supporting their goal of improving the university’s standing in the engineering field could be integrated into the layout, without impeding the natural workflow of the space. With the various design improvements implemented this facility also supports Lancaster University through increased industry partnerships.