Designed by HOK Architects, the 17,000sq/m project will provide a state-of-the-art facility for the university’s researchers to investigate significant global challenges including energy demand and waste management.

The research hub will be the second part of what the University has described as an “inspirational and world-leading masterplan” for the West End campus.

HOK is providing design consultancy services for the project. The consultancy team is collaborating with WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, which has secured the multidisciplinary engineering contract. Ironside Farrar is the planning consultant.

In the design statement, HOK wrote: “In response to the University’s brief of creating a vibrant, collaborative and interactive environment, the Research Hub has a colonnade on the east facade along the edge of the new University Square. The colonnade is formed from sculptural re-constituted stone structural columns with a polished finish and regular rhythm culminating in the entrance portico.

“The colonnade forms a defined, sheltered pedestrian pathway, lit at night. Along the colonnade and returning on the north and south facades the Level 2 facade is transparent revealing the internal functions of the Research Hub, including the Maker Lab and Exhibition Space and with views through to the Atrium providing an interactive showcase for the work of the research groups within the building.”

The project is expected to be completed in 2019.