CULLINAN STUDIOIMC, University of Warwick

The International Manufacturing Centre (IMC) houses manufacturing, technology, teaching and research facilities arranged in two spine wings, flanking a four-storey high Engineering Hall.

The highly successful WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group) had developed to a size where it needed a new building of its own. Part-funded through the ERDF, IMC was the first building in a new sector of the University of Warwick.

The dramatic prow over the entry is designed to impress visitors. It contains a three-storey atrium under the top floor Board Room, whose terrace overlooks the campus. This entrance is at one end of the four-storey concrete-framed teaching block with an oval 200-seat raked auditorium set into the ground floor.

The main teaching block has two floors of offices on top of two floors of lecture theatres and computer laboratories.

The 30m x 60m naturally-lit steel-framed Engineering Hall is 14.5m high with a 5-ton travelling gantry across its central 20m span, and flanked by two 7m high aisles.

IMC is connected to two existing engineering buildings with a light glazed pedestrian bridge spanning 32m across University Road. The bridge was designed to be erected in one evening to avoid disruption to this main road through the University.

INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING CENTRE (IMC)

Location: University of Warwick, UKClient: Warwick Manufacturing Group

Completed in 3 phases: 1992 - 2002Size: 10,700sqmConstruction cost: £11m

Awards:• Civic Trust Award Commendation• Structural Steel Design Award

Commendation (Link Bridge)• Adopted as Demonstration Project by

the Movement for Innovation (M4I)

Above: 14.6m high, 30m x 60m naturally lit Engineering Hall. Photo©Marc Goodwin.

Above: A glass bridge spanning the width of the Engineering Hall links the two wings of teaching accommodation. Photo©Marc Goodwin.

Above: A dramatic prow shelters the entrance. Photo©Marc Goodwin.

CULLINAN STUDIOIMC, University of Warwick

Above: 200 seat lecture theatre on the ground floor.

Above: The Engineering Hall

Above: The three completed phases of the IMC. Photo©Marc Goodwin.

CollaborationThe IMC was built in three phases (1994, 1996 and 2002). We used the most recent phase as an opportunity for re-examination of the previous phases.

Through early value engineering workshops, the end user had identified the need for the third phase to present a finished whole building: important for the image and prestige of the department. However, given the critical budget and time constraints, re-using the details from the previous phase was not an option. A time saving of 30% and a cost saving of 5% had to be found. At the same time, a significantly higher energy efficiency target was set.

The fundamentals of the design were studied to find ways of saving the necessary time and money in construction, carried out against the quality benchmark of the previous phases.

By looking at various aspects with the whole design and client team and the contractor from the previous phases, moves to make the design meet the cost plan, programme and energy targets were explored and set.

By using the complete previous phases as a benchmark, the savings achieved were real and measurable. By including the clients and end-users in this process we were able to focus on the real needs of the clients as opposed to our pre-conceived ideas of what was important.

After examining a number of procurement routes, we chose a management contract as the most appropriate way of managing the quality within the tight programme. Cost risk was mitigated by thorough early detailing and billing. The out-turn construction cost was £977 per square metre.

Above: A new bridge over University Road connects the IMC to two existing engineering buildings. Photo©Marc Goodwin.

CULLINAN STUDIOIMC, University of Warwick