National Science Learning Centre The Architects Story

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National Science Learning CentreThe Architects
Story

• Presentation by David StandhavenNovember 2006

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DELIGHT THE BUILDING

• 
  FRUSTRATION
  LESSONS LEARNT
• ANTICIPATION THE
  FUTURE

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THE BUILDING

• Background
• Hub of New National Network of Science Learning
  Centres
• Joint Initiative of the DfES and Wellcome Trust
• Competitive process Contract awarded to White
  Rose Consortium with Building being situated at
  the University of York

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Objectives

• Multi function, flexible spaces able to respond
  to changing needs of science and learning
• The building itself should demonstrate science
  related aspects of construction and
  sustainability
• Incorporate energy and environmental savings and
  benefits
• Encourage / Stimulate / Excite Users / Wow
  factor

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The Brief

• Science Learning Facilities
• 300 seat Lecture Theatre
• Residential Accommodation
• Developed progressively up to start on site (and
  beyond!)

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Inception and Programme

• Site Selection
• Brief and Scheme developed to Bid Stage in June
  2003
• Awarded late September 2003
• Design work commenced December 2003
• Started on site August 04 and completed October 05

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A Gallon into a Pint Pot

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic team
• Proactive brain storming workshops
• Great efforts made to incorporate features that
  worked on several levels i.e. construction /
  design / learning tool.
• Some of the features were unique or pushing
  current practice to limits

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THE BUILDINGSite Plan
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Ground FloorPlan
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Exhibition Hall
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Lecture Theatre
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Lecture Theatre
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Resource Centre
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Restaurant
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Gallery
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First Floor Plan
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Office / ICT/ Seminar Room
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Second FloorPlan
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Laboratories
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Laboratories
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Plant RoomLevel Plan
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Sustainable Features - Green Roof
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Sustainable Features - Green Roof
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Geothermal Heating/Cooling
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Grey Water Recycling
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Sustainable Features

• Recycled distribution pipework
• Maximum use of natural ventilation
• Maximum use of natural light
• Low energy lighting
• Heat recovery systems
• Variable drive motors
• High levels of insulation
• Minimum manual controls

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FRUSTRATIONS / LESSONS LEARNT

• Unique and Complex Features
• Provisional costing difficult
• Full design required for accurate costing
• Some costs exceeded budget and value engineering
  required to reduce or omit features
• Value Engineering/ Savings
• Selection of some alternative materials based on
  cost saving
• Important to include green credentials in
  selection criteria
• Beware attendance and profit additions on
  specialist base costs
• Interfaces
• Increasing Complexity of Construction Techniques

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Casualties

• Included
• Double helix staircase
• External Amphitheatre
• Recycled glass staircase and bar fittings
• Pond and reed bed
• Transparent walls and ceilings (floor retained)
• Stress gauging to bridges and balconies
• Solar panel and photovoltaic demonstration units
• Despite the Casualties listed above
• Centre operation not compromised
• Features may be added or developed at a later date

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ANTICIPATION