Our work

NSQI Building, University of Bristol Iain, 40

NSQI Building, University of Bristol

Location: Bristol

Client: University of Bristol

Project timescale: 2003-08

Project Value: £7.6m

The project:

The £7.6m Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information (NSQI) in Bristol will contain some of the 'quietest' labs in the world, with extremely low levels of vibration and acoustic noise, and stringent controls on temperature and air movement.

The development, at the heart of the University precinct, will also have to meet the most detailed constraints, due to the nature of working at the nano-scale.

A distinctive characteristic of the Centre will be its inter-disciplinarity; bringing together biologists, chemists, computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians and physicists, amongst others.

As well as addressing deep questions in fundamental science, the research to be carried out in the building will offer opportunities for the development of future computing, communications and health technologies, as well as advanced materials, for example for the aerospace industry.

Contained within the new structure will be a variety of highly specialised laboratories, together with seminar rooms, offices, clean rooms and, most importantly, interaction spaces.

What was Capita Symonds role on the project?

Capita Architecture has been architect and lead designer on this project from inception to completion. Our involvement in the early stages included taking the brief and site selection.

The design process was very interesting: each member of the team was asked to challenge current thinking in construction to create the quietest lab in the world. This was a long and complex process, but we believe we will be successful. The design team was novated to the contractor to ensure that the knowledge gained in the early stages of the project was retained and transferred to Willmott Dixon.

Capita Symonds has also had the role of Project Manager in the post-tender stage of the project.

What was YOUR role on the project?

My role as Project Architect has been to lead the design team through the project ensuring that we satisfied the University's brief.

This was challenging as the brief was to provide 'the best'. The planning process was also a challenge: Bristol City Council insisted on the provision of a natural stone finish to the building whilst the University had briefed us to provide an open and transparent elevation to Tyndall Avenue.

My contribution, hopefully, was to integrate innovative design ideas into an interesting and elegant building which is one of the finest nanoscience facilities in the world.

Professor Noah Linden, University of Bristol's leader of the project to build the new Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information said:

"This new building will be one of the finest nanoscience facilities in the world, designed to keep Bristol at the forefront of research for decades. Its purpose-designed environment will foster a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research community drawn from science, engineering, and medicine across the world, which will thrive through stimulating interactions and the exchange of ideas."

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