The new National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) opened in February on the University of Warwick’s Midlands campus. The brief for the building was simple: devise a shared environment for research that could halve the time from original idea to final production, with both industry and academia under one roof.
The NAIC's ultimate goal is to develop future transport solutions that create zero accidents, emissions and congestion. The £150m centre is the result of a partnership between local businesses Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors plus the University of Warwick, with £15m of funding from the UK Government’s Research Partnership Investment Fund via Research England. Designed by Cullinan Studio, the centre sits on a 17,800 sq m site at the entrance to the University of Warwick’s main campus, offering good access to students and researchers alike.
Given the confidential nature of the work undertaken within the four-storey, 33,000 sq m gross internal space, at its heart there are secure technical laboratories and engineering and design halls. But surrounding these rooms are many open terraces and spaces, individual booths plus an exhibition area, cafe and entrance hall to encourage cross-fertilisation and inter-disciplinary meetings, where applicable. All working spaces are designed with flexibility in mind, including reconfigurable internal walls and projection-friendly surfaces.
Architecturally, the building’s most impressive feature is its massive diamond-lattice, cross-laminated timber roof designed by Arup. This spans the whole structure, including the high outside entrance canopy propped up by two huge intersecting metal supports. The major glazing that makes up much of the centre’s walls is tempered by undulating exterior aluminium mesh cladding to help limit the sun’s heat and light from entering inwards while the surrounding landscaping – designed by Grant Associates – includes beds of native wild plants and a water course, to better integrate the building within its environment. Further ecological considerations of the design include a photovoltaic array on the roof and regenerative electrical heating connected to the University’s combined heat and power plant, all of which helped towards the building’s EPC ‘A’ rating and ‘Excellent’ BREEAM certification.
Inside the NAIC building, Cullinan Studio has created internal terraces surrounding the main working spaces on every floor to help users stay in touch with the natural world outside. As well as the physical benefits of exposure to natural light and air, rather than being tucked away in dark and sterile rooms, there are hopefully metaphorical benefits. Nature’s gentle encroach should be a subtle reminder that the products being developed need to tread more lightly within the environment they will ultimately operate. As Cullinan Studio’s design director Roddy Langmuir concludes: ‘We have tried to bring in natural light everywhere, marking the changing of the sun’s position across the day. Even deep inside the building, people have a connection with the day’s natural rhythms and changing seasons.’
INFORMATION
tmetc.com (opens in new tab)
-
Lucas Ossendrijver continues his fashion return with Theory collection inspired by New YorkersLucas Ossendrijver looks to the brand’s home city of New York for his second ‘Theory Project’ collection (released 31 March 2023) melding function and elegance in his signature style
-
Bosco Sodi’s monumental new Mexico City studio is a multifunctional feat
As Bosco Sodi unveils his new Studio CMDX in Atlampa, Mexico City, we speak to the artist about how the vast Alberto Kalach-designed former warehouse is a feat in multitasking
-
Saltviga House is an architectural celebration of leftovers
Saltviga House by Kolman Boye Architects ingeniously uses offcuts from Dinesen planks to create a timber retreat on the south coast of Norway
-
Peugeot’s sparky 308 gets hybrid power and handsome lines
The Peugeot 308 proves that mass-market design needn’t be dull, blending hybrid power with sharp lines and excellent detailing
-
BMW Motorrad brings out the big guns for its newest cruisers
BMW Motorrad R 18 Bagger and Transcontinental set the tone for high-voltage cruising with a brand collaboration with speaker specialist Marshall
-
Dacia’s new Manifesto concept is a true outdoor utility vehicle
Utilitarian auto brand Dacia sets a bold new agenda with its Manifesto, a concept car pitched at the active outdoor market
-
The sun sets on traditional supercars at California’s Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week, the world’s most prestigious car gathering, is showcasing ever-more extravagant special editions, coachbuilt cars and all-new electric concepts. Here are seven key machines from 2022
-
Is McLaren’s GT a sports car, a tourer, or the best of both?
The McLaren GT is a capable all-rounder dressed up in svelte supercar clothes. It might also be the last of its type
-
Rolls-Royce puts the Phantom back on its lofty pedestal
A mid-life refresh ensures the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II is at the top of its game, a last hurrah for traditional engines before an electrified future
-
Prodrive’s new racing simulator is shaped by Callum to be front of the grid
The racing simulator shapes up – this new design from Prodrive and Callum is honed for the high-end games room
-
The Cupra Formentor is a dark star for bright minds
For all its moody styling, the Cupra Formentor – from the SEAT spin-off brand – is a compact, swift and fun-to-drive crossover
