BuroHappold Engineering On Higher Education

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At BuroHappold Engineering we pride ourselves on our ability to put our clients at the very heart of everything we do and nowhere is this more important then the education sector where the most important stakeholders are our future generation.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES In many cities across the UK, universities are the heart of the local community, contributing greatly to both the economy and the character of the region. However, further to a decade of unprecedented expansion and investment the sector is now facing a period of uncertainty as the new government reduces its direct funding and substantial hikes in student fees are introduced. But, rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of the current market, we believe that this period of austerity offers institutions an excellent opportunity to review their existing building stock and implement a long-term estates strategy which will help to strengthen their position in the future.

That is why we have a dedicated team in place who strive to become an institutions trusted partner – helping them to unlock the potential of their estates for the benefit of all stakeholders.

From this year, universities will have to move towards government targets on carbon reduction and energy efficiency or face financial penalties (universities must cut their emissions by 34% by 2

2020 from a 1990 baseline). We truly believe that our expertise in sustainable environments and our ability to develop healthy spaces that encourage learning, whilst being cost effective and simple to build and maintain, can help proactive and ambitious institutions to place themselves at the forefront of the debate on tackling climate change. Interestingly, the green credentials of a campus are becoming increasingly high on the agenda of prospective students when selecting a place to study – rating almost as highly as campus safety in a recent online survey.

Universities have the ability to lead the way for a more environmentally conscious generation.

For many young people the transition to University can be an exciting but also very daunting time. At BuroHappold we therefore understand the importance of designing environments which generate a real sense of community and belonging.

An excellent example of this is the University of Exeter Forum project where we have designed a beautiful, naturally ventilated street space, which connects

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and unites a previously disjointed set of buildings thus creating a social heart for the campus.

We truly believe that learning is a lifelong process and not discrete packages of education and are therefore keen to facilitate the development of closer links between primary schools, secondary schools, higher and further education institutes and industry. Our hope is that, in this difficult financial climate, this will encourage a greater sharing of resources whilst helping to ensure that students experience smooth transitions throughout the education system.

Much like a university environment, BuroHappold pride ourselves on our ability to harness new ideas and empower our people to look beyond the commonplace.

In a highly competitive international market we should all take great pride in the fact that the UK has the greatest university system in the world, and it is our mission to ensure that we remain at the top of the league table.

University of Salford Faculty of Law, Salford, UK Architect: Broadway Malyan Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Daniel Hopkinson

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OUR EXPERIENCE We have partnered many universities and colleges, both in the UK and internationally, and our projects consistently deliver exceptional facilities, stunning architecture and high quality learning environments which benefit all users and stakeholders.

University of Exeter Forum Exeter, UK

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Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center Troy, NY, USA

Hawaii Preparatory Academy Energy Laboratory Kamuela, HI, USA

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Yale University School of Management New Haven, CT, USA

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Alsion Campus, Syddansk University Science and Technology Park Sønderborg, Denmark

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Edinburgh’s Telford College Edinburgh, UK

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English Institute of Sport University of Bath Bath, UK

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Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Building Manchester, UK

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Bexley Business Academy London, UK

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Extensive use of energy saving features also helps create buildings that are not only comfortable and efficient but that are highly sustainable and tread as lightly on the environment as possible.

The seamless integration of these technologies enhances our projects, the result being buildings that are a pleasure to live, work and study in.

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Our experience spans the entire spectrum of buildings that modern academia requires; from high tech laboratories to performance halls, from premium teaching spaces to multipurpose social areas. This is down to our dedicated sector team’s knowledge and awareness of what is truly required to create learning environments which appeal to current and the future generation of undergraduates – many of whom will be paying in excess of £30,000 to complete their degree.

Harvard Allston Science Complex Cambridge, MA, USA

A snapshot of our work in higher education 4

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Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK Architect: Dyer Associates Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Alan McAteer

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THE KEY ISSUES An overview of our problem-solving capabilities in the higher education sector

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OPTIMAL ENVIRONMENTS

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Designing high quality environments suitable for world class university buildings

elping clients meet sustainability targets H and create positive learning environments

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ADDING VALUE

WORKING IN PAR TNERSHIP

Delivering elegant and functional buildings that achieve exceptional value

Collaborating with the client and design team to create 21st century educational facilities

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OPTIMAL

ENVIRONMENTS

“Our challenge is to provide high quality environments that are suitable for world class teaching, learning and research, with low running costs and environmental impact.�

Mike Entwisle Director, BuroHappold Engineering 8

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IMPROVING THE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE THROUGH QUALIT Y DESIGN Good quality higher education requires good quality environments. Research has shown a clear link between the design of campus buildings and the recruitment, retention and satisfaction of staff and students. From the outset of a project, BuroHappold looks at all factors that influence quality, value and performance. Drawing on our wide experience in the international higher education sector, we apply the latest engineering solutions to create vibrant academic environments that meet an institution’s present and future needs.

As pioneers in the use of sustainable strategies and technologies, we are able to influence all areas of the design to deliver a solution that is best suited to a building’s use, while reducing operational costs where possible. Working as part of an integrated team, our engineers and consultants are able to advise on issues such as low energy facades and shading systems, integrated building services, acoustic privacy and passive climate control.

Summer temperatures and the amount of natural light are two of the biggest environmental design challenges which affect the quality of space in educational buildings. By optimising natural heating, ventilation and daylighting in the most environmentally friendly way, we are able to make a building more comfortable, sustainable and easy to maintain over its entire lifecycle.

Brandeis University, Carl J. Shapiro Science Center, MA, USA Image: Rafael Vinoly Architects

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OPTIMAL ENVIRONMENTS

LIGHTING AND VENTILATION

Lighting, heating and/or cooling and air conditioning are significant cost factors in university buildings, so BuroHappold’s approach is to ‘design out’ active systems in favour of passive environmental strategies. We are focused on helping clients obtain the most sustainable outcomes at the best value, while improving the comfort and working conditions of occupants.

Our approach is tailored to the specific environmental challenges of each project, whether in the colder climate of northern Europe or the hot conditions prevailing in the Middle East. Use of passive measures can reduce or even eliminate the need for active conditioning and the resultant energy use.

CASE STUDY 1: The glass facade of the new atrium at Imperial College Business School provides a stunning entrance to the existing building. The facade presented environmental challenges as it effectively enclosed the existing offices, lecture theatres and workshops, which previously had access to windows for natural ventilation. Our specialists carried out an analysis of the space to illustrate to the client that the temperature in the internal environment would not be compromised by the new facade. The strategy devised for optimising the environment within the atrium involved combining displacement ventilation with underfloor heating and cooling in winter and summer.

Imperial College Business School, London, UK

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In winter, displacement ventilation is combined with underfloor heating to provide a radiant warming to the occupied space. Tempered fresh air is supplied to the basement plant room from an air handling unit mounted on the roof. This air is heated to the required temperature and supplied to the lower ground and entrance area through grilles. Stale air is mechanically extracted at high level.

In summer, the atrium conditioning also uses a displacement ventilation strategy combined with underfloor cooling. The fresh air supplied to the basement plant is cooled to the required temperature and distributed as in winter. Use of a cooled slab assists the cooled air to remain at a low level enabling it to be thrown further, improving the performance of the displacement ventilation.

Brandeis University, Carl J. Shapiro Science Center, MA, USA

CASE STUDY 2: Redeveloping the primary campus at Brandeis University in Dayton, Ohio, involved constructing a new state of the art building and refurbishing existing facilities at the university’s science complex, which previously comprised several separate buildings. The aim has been to create a vibrant, healthy and comfortable environment for students and staff that would also meet strict sustainability targets. To achieve this, BuroHappold’s design team identified solutions for reducing energy usage while optimising the amount of natural light.

The facade design is a key element in the university’s ambitious environmental strategy, as well as defining its aesthetic appearance. The primary exterior wall systems comprise a series of layers visibly hung from the concrete structure, both inside and outside. The south facade is a layered, engineered curtainwall with sunscreen devices. To take advantage of the dramatic views and exposure, a fixed sunshade system was used in combination with an automated Lutron Lighting System to reduce heat loads and support daylight harvesting.

Our engineers carried out light studies to help develop the sunshade system, while extensive thermal modelling was used to optimise facade performance.

Additionally, glass-backed fume hoods have been integrated into the facade on the chemistry teaching space floor, in order to open up the laboratory and increase transparency. Together with a heavily insulated north facade, these solutions are helping Brandeis to achieve projected energy savings of around 45%.

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OPTIMAL ENVIRONMENTS

ACOUSTICS AND VIBRATION

Sound is a major factor in creating the right conditions for learning.

BuroHappold’s acoustic specialists have worked across a range of academic buildings, from libraries to faculty offices.

Using advanced 3D computer modelling and auralisations – the technique of presenting simulated sound fields in a form that can be heard – we study both

the internal and external acoustics to enable issues such as intrusive noise levels to be better ‘understood’, leading to faster and more cost-effective design decisions and solutions. Our team also gives expert advice on key areas such as insulation, the building facade and equipment, as well as the acoustic impact of low energy strategies such as thermal mass.

Dundee Library Extension Image: ASL Architects

CASE STUDY 3: The acoustic design of university libraries and study areas is vital in creating successful learning environments. To enable 21st century learning, libraries are often required to include spaces for group work and private study, which presents a number of challenges when considering how the spaces will function together.

The extension to the library at Dundee University reflects the changing ways in which students and academics work, and

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provides a space to facilitate new ways of learning. The extension needed to provide separate spaces for quiet study and for conversation and meeting areas. The existing library and the new building are separated by transparent panelling that acts as an acoustic barrier. The panelling ‘covers up’ the elevation of the existing building, providing acoustic separation between the study areas and the interactive areas.

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Similarly, the new library building at Queen’s University Belfast needs to be capable of supporting learning and teaching for future generations, as well as forming an integral part of transforming the university’s infrastructure. Student workstations and help desk facilities are on the ground floor, while the quieter library spaces are located on upper floors. A full height wall of patterned acoustic panels prevents noise from the atrium travelling into the library.

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CASE STUDY 4: BuroHappold has been part of the design and commissioning team for the state-of-theart Nanoscience and Quantum Information (NS & QI) Laboratory at the University of Bristol. The building is home to an inter-disciplinary research community drawn from science, engineering and medicine, bringing together the best minds in the field of nanotechnology.

The laboratory ‘s city centre location led to various challenges to ensure that the building was suitable for the highly sensitive equipment used inside. Novel techniques were required to isolate the laboratories from the local sources of vibration and acoustic noise, such as traffic, footfall and plant machinery. The scientific laboratories have been designed to provide vibration and acoustic noise performance levels that are amongst the lowest achieved anywhere in the world.

BuroHappold’s vibration and acoustics specialists measured and assessed the performance of the labs under various conditions. We advised the university on ways in which the building could be made even quieter, using advanced numerical modelling techniques to test proposed enhancements and inform the design process. Detailed investigations were carried out into the possible effects on the labs when constructing new buildings in the immediate vicinity.

Nanoscience and Quantum Information (NS & QI) Laboratory at the University of Bristol, UK Image: Liz Eve / fotohaus

An example of a two-dimensional FiniteElement model used to assess the vibrational performance of one of the NS and QI labs.

Results of a two-dimensional Finite-Element model, showing a stress wave propagating out from a sharp impact.

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FACADES AND EX TERNAL SHADING

A facade plays a key role in reducing a building’s energy consumption and influencing the quality and comfort of its internal spaces, as well as defining its outward appearance. With sustainability always a key concern, we carefully analyse the environmental ‘behaviour’ and performance of the facade design using advanced techniques such as solar and glare studies, thermal modelling and wind analysis. By drawing on our practical knowledge of ventilation, shading and weather proofing systems – down to the technicalities of fixings and tolerances – we can provide high level advice on the most cost-effective way to develop and procure the building envelope.

Using external and internal shading is a highly effective method of minimising the impact of the sun – solar gain can be reduced by as much as 90%. Preventing the sun’s heat from entering the building can save on energy costs and reduce glare, and provides future proofing against the effects of climate change. Shading systems can be fitted to existing as well as new structures, providing a good opportunity to improve the performance of some refurbished campus buildings.

Institute of Criminology, Cambridge University, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Robert Greshof

CASE STUDY 5: The facade at the award winning Institute of Criminolgy at Cambridge University was carefully detailed to provide an easily controllable natural ventilation solution which ensures that airflow can be maintained whenever required.

Keeping the ventilation separate from the daylighting and external view functions ensures that fresh air is available when the blinds are in use, in the event of driving rain, and also securely at night in summer to precool the building for the next day.

Through an iterative design process with the architect, we defined the areas required for appropriate ventilation and how these were to be controlled. Detailed

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analysis of the ventilation included evaluation of the cladding contractor’s proposals for the openings and the protective louvres. We defined the performance of protective brises-soleil to appropriate facades, but also ensured that where these were not required full advantage was taken of glare and solar gain-free daylight. In conjunction with the in situ concrete structure and the finely detailed and highly specified facade, this building achieved an air tightness of over ten times lower than the requirements of building regulations, reducing heat losses during winter.

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INTER AC TIVE SPACES

It is well known that there is a strong link between creative, innovative ideas and interaction, and that people’s behaviour is affected and modified by their surroundings. Our objective when designing university buildings is to create spaces that facilitate and encourage interaction, both for social purposes and to enhance the learning experience.

Research has shown that people are more likely to interact when they are on the move, and therefore environments that promote interaction have streets rather than corridors and open, transparent work spaces. The architecture of these areas is often bold and exciting, and rarely will a standard engineering approach deliver the quality environment required. BuroHappold’s excellence in innovative engineering is particularly suited to these challenges.

Bard College, Center for Science and Computation, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, USA Image: Rafael Vinoly Architects

CASE STUDY 6: One of the key drivers on the Bard Center for Science and Computation project was ensuring that laboratories and classrooms were designed to encourage interaction between the departments at the college in fields such as bio-informatics and neuroscience. The Center’s laboratories are based on an open plan model, with flexible loft space that can be adapted if necessary in the future. The building design incorporates glass exterior walls, a large atrium, and an open floor plan featuring flexible multidisciplinary spaces for teaching, research and discussion.

The lobby contains four free standing pods clad in copper, stainless steel and zinc, housing an auditorium, two lecture rooms and a seminar room, with public gathering areas between them. The faculty offices cantilever above the lobby and are accessed via an open corridor that overlooks the lobby, encouraging student and faculty staff interaction. The use of the glass exterior walls provides a visual link with the rest of the campus, again encapsulating the theme of interaction.

Similarly, the Exeter University Forum project involved creating a public ‘street’ space where students can meet, hold informal get togethers and exchange ideas. The street joins together existing buildings under an ETFE, glass and timber gridshell roof, providing a naturally lit and ventilated space. The street also includes teaching spaces, laboratories and study rooms.

Exeter University Forum, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Hufton+Crow

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STUDENT FACILITIES

Working within a campus environment presents numerous challenges, particularly when providing new leading edge facilities. BuroHappold has extensive experience in the design and construction of a wide range of academic buildings, both on and off campus, including libraries, science laboratories, sports complexes, performance venues, faculty offices, lecture theatres and student halls of residence.

Each type of facility and institution has very different requirements, and to achieve successful outcomes the exchange of information and good collaboration between the university and the design team are essential at all stages of the project. Whether new-build or refurbishment, we also carefully consider how the building will relate to existing structures and how the site is likely to develop in the future.

The English Institute of Sport, University of Bath Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Adam Wilson

CASE STUDY 7: One of the key elements of the English Institute of Sport at the University of Bath is the central viewing gallery and its support system. Our engineers devised a method to build the gallery for the required eight tennis courts at ceiling height, meeting specific volume requirements while minimising intrusion of the gallery into the sports area below.

Supported by three structural ‘trees’, the gallery bisects the courts and provides full viewing over each one. The trees are three dimensional lattice columns and also function as the primary component of the stability systems for the tennis hall. Cantilevering up from the structure’s foundations, the trees provide a row of lateral restraints along the spine of the hall.

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A central goal of the project was enabling different elements to perform multiple functions, such as the gallery supports and roof trusses. The bottom chord of the hall’s 75m long trusses acts as support for the tennis netting, while the trusses themselves also contain radiant heating, lighting, and a PA system, and are expected to fluctuate significantly in length as the temperature varies inside the hall. Specific central positioning of the trusses allows for this expansion and contraction without locking thermal stress into the structure itself.

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CASE STUDY 8: Covering an area of 220,000m2 in the grounds of the late King Faisal’s palace in Riyadh, the innovative new Al Faisal University has been funded by private donations and comprises buildings for science, business, engineering and medical departments, along with a conferencing library, student centres and sports facilities. The university is the first co-educational higher education institution in Saudi Arabia, although separated facilities have been provided for male and female students in line with the country’s religious and cultural traditions.

Careful planning was required to achieve this. Separate levels of lecture theatres are provided for women, fronted by one-way glass and with women-only lifts that do not stop on male floors. An underground car park with 3,000 spaces provides separated parking areas, allowing female students to be dropped off at ground level.

In addition to these issues, the phased project presented BuroHappold with a number of engineering challenges, not least of which was the site’s sensitive position within the grounds of a royal palace. Indeed, the development of the site required the introduction of substantial flood retention water storage systems within large diameter concrete pipes buried in the ground. Another challenge was the fact that being a historic site little information was available for planning purposes and much of the infrastructure had to be upgraded and reinforced in order to support the new development.

Al Faisal University, KSA Images: BuroHappold Engineering

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S U S TA I N A B L E DESIGN

“With the help of BuroHappold we have managed to arrive at a solution that effectively minimises our environmental impact, while working within demanding budgetary constraints.�

David Briggs University of Sheffield Estates Department 18

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USING RESOURCES MORE EFFICIENTLY, SAVING MONEY ON ENERGY AND WATER COSTS Meeting sustainability targets is now a key requirement in the design, construction and operation of university buildings. By employing elements such as passive design, water conservation, high performance materials and low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies, it is possible to mitigate environmental impact while reducing running costs. Our extensive knowledge of the international market allows us to help clients meet the required targets for sustainability and carbon reduction wherever they are located in the world.

During the design process we encourage the supply of materials from renewable sources and the adoption of sustainable waste management strategies. We provide expert advice on how to achieve best practice in sustainable design, assessing a building’s environmental impact against a range of sustainability benchmarks, including energy and water consumption, transport, pollution and waste management.

To be sustainable in the long term and maximise value, a university building needs to be efficiently engineered to embody minimum energy, be receptive to users needs and allow for flexibility and future adaptability. In addition there are strong links between a building’s integrated environmental approach and learning benefits to its occupants, providing further strong economic incentives for sustainable development.

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Alan McAteer

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SUSTAINABLE MASTERPLANNING

To be competitive in today’s international higher education market, universities need to create an efficient and sustainable campus that appeals to a diverse community of students and staff, as well as meeting the estate’s business needs. BuroHappold works in partnership with clients and architects to create functional, flexible and environmentally responsible masterplans that unlock the potential of the development for the benefit of all stakeholders.

We bring a thorough understanding of the often complex environmental, technical and regulatory issues involved, allowing us to identify solutions that save energy, conserve resources and minimise impacts. We consider a range of factors that contribute to a successful outcome, such as utility supply, transport, drainage, ecology and waste management. Most importantly our masterplans are flexible, allowing for new uses and opportunities as the site develops.

CASE STUDY 9: Sustainability is at the heart of the masterplan for the new National University of Singapore campus, a 19 hectare site located next to the existing university that will provide for over 6,000 students. The scheme which will transform an old golf course into a modern international university town will consist of college accommodation, learning, research and recreational facilities, together with car parking and shopping areas. The aim is to create an environmentally responsible, pedestrian-friendly development that integrates a range of sustainable features into the masterplan design, resulting in lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

BuroHappold has provided sustainable masterplanning and infrastructure design guidance on a range of issues, including land use and renewable energy strategies, transport planning, ecology and water conservation. A unique Green Network consisting of native planting and naturalised water channels will connect the open space, mitigate stormwater runoff and provide a viable habitat for wildlife. Passive measures such as natural ventilation are being incorporated into the buildings design to reduce energy consumption, while on-site construction waste will be re-used for landscaping.

National University of Singapore

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Kuwait University, Kuwait

CASE STUDY 10: The new campus for Kuwait University will occupy an area of 550,000m2 in the Shaddadiyah district of the city, and is planned to take 10 years to complete. The campus will provide facilities for 30,000 students and up to 10,000 staff. The masterplan brings together five existing disparate university campuses and provides each with state-of-the-art facilities for all faculties. There will be two linked campuses on the site, one for men, the other for women, as well as a medical campus.

One of the most significant challenges during the masterplanning of the project was the need to meet the travel demands of the large numbers of occupants, and to provide car parking for several thousand vehicles. All parking will be located on the perimeter of the site, creating a pedestrian-only area within the campus.

Creating an environmentally sustainable campus is also a high priority. The masterplan was designed with sufficient flexibility to allow the possible introduction of an integrated mass transit system in the future. In order to support the implementation of a transit system to encourage more sustainable transport, BuroHappold produced a travel plan for the university to inform students and staff of alternatives to car travel.

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SUSTAINABILIT Y ASSESSMENTS

Aileron, Dayton, OH, USA Image: Alan Karchmer

BuroHappold has assessors experienced in many sustainability assessment methods, including BREEAM and LEED, and has been involved with the formulation of the Estidama rating process since its inception.

Our first principle approach has enabled us to assist many large organisations to compile their own bespoke assessment processes.

By co-ordinating the requirements of any assessment process with the client’s aspirations from an early stage, we ensure that the scheme is driven by the brief rather than the assessment process, and that relevant opportunities for increasing scheme sustainability are also taken.

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CASE STUDY 11: The Aileron Center is a unique facility for the instruction and education of new and experienced business entrepreneurs.

Consisting of classrooms, exhibitions, an auditorium, meeting rooms and a library, the Center provides a stimulating environment for sharing experiences and knowledge. Sustainability was a major factor in the design, with a raft of ‘green’ features – including a geothermal heating and cooling system, natural daylighting and ventilation, rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic panels and solar shading – enabling the building to achieve a coveted LEED Gold rating.

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BuroHappold was responsible for LEED co-ordination with the design team and has assisted the client with the LEED accreditation process at the various stages of the project. Our services included identifying low energy design opportunities and advising on the most appropriate environmental strategies to achieve the required targets. As a result of our sustainable and innovative approach, 75% of construction waste was recycled rather than sent to landfill and energy usage has been reduced by 50% compared to a similar traditionally-built structure.

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CASE STUDY 12: Sustainability was a major factor in the design for the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Centre (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York. The project aims to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating.

BuroHappold has been responsible for LEED co-ordination with the design team and has assisted the client with the LEED accreditation process on this large and complicated project. BuroHappold’s services included defining sustainable design goals, identifying environmentally responsible design opportunities, explaining the intent of the LEED ratings and points, and performing LEED assessment at the various stages of design.

The design team aimed for a 30% water reduction compared to traditional methods by incorporating a rainwater harvesting system and 20,000 cubic foot underground retention tank. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are fitted with variable speed drives, and the ventilation systems have demand control to regulate air volume depending on condition, as well as individual controls for light and air. Additionally, 20% of the materials used in construction were sourced from local suppliers based within 500 miles of the university, while 75% of the construction waste was recycled.

Experimental Media and Performing Arts Centre (EMPAC), Troy, NY, USA Images: PaĂşl Rivera/Archphoto

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PASSIVE AND LOW ENERGY DESIGN

University buildings that use passive design principles are able to achieve a more sustainable outcome while providing comfortable and healthy learning environments.

BuroHappold’s approach to sustainable design follows a ‘lean, mean, green’ methodology; designing buildings from the outset to use less energy utilising passive measures such as natural heating, lighting, ventilation and external shading, and ensuring that both materials and systems are used responsibly and efficiently. Renewable energy systems are then applied to minimise residual carbon emissions.

Our integrated solutions are designed to create a balanced internal climate, often using exposed thermal mass as an effective way of regulating summer and winter temperatures while improving levels of occupant comfort and reducing reliance on active heating and cooling systems.

CASE STUDY 13: One of the many ways the low energy aspirations have been met at Syddansk University’s Alsion Campus is through the use of exposed concrete. The building structure is made mainly of concrete which is exposed wherever possible to act as a thermal buffer. Large cantilevers along the water’s edge are hung from substantial steel beams at roof level. The atrium spaces are created as steel and glass boxes between the primary concrete teaching blocks.

The buildings are primarily naturally ventilated using the exposed thermal mass to cool the spaces. In higher density occupation classrooms, additional cooling comes from chilled ceilings. To limit cold draughts in winter, perimeter heating and trickle ventilation is provided. Automatic windows are opened at night to facilitate night cooling and reduce energy usage. In areas where mechanical cooling and ventilation is required, heat recovery has been incorporated.

Alsion Campus, Syddansk University Science and Technology Park, Sonderborg, Denmark Image: 3XN / Adam Mørk

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RECYCLING AND WATER CONSER VATION

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Alan McAteer

On every project we consider the type and use of materials involved in construction, ensuring that we limit the amount of waste that is sent to landfill. This sustainable approach enables us to deliver buildings that use less construction-related embodied energy, while reducing the long-term carbon footprint. We discuss a waste management strategy with clients at an early stage to minimise risks and future operational costs, guiding the environmental assessment process and analysing opportunities for local treatment of waste.

With a global rise in demand and a growing scarcity in some regions, water conservation is essential to ensure a consistent supply and reduce environmental impact. Where possible we utilise sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) that enable rainwater to drain naturally into the subsoil. In buildings, we achieve low levels of consumption using methods such as greywater recycling, rainwater and grey water harvesting, low flush toilets and water efficient taps and shower heads.

CASE STUDY 14: One of the key issues at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh was trying to minimise the amount of waste material taken off site. Our engineers did this by creating various features on the site that made use of these materials; for example, some of the soil was put into a ‘noise bund’ to protect the site from the sound of the nearby A1. The bund functions as an acoustic barrier, protecting both the student accommodation and some of the academic buildings. This solution will assist the client in achieving the required CEEQUAL sustainability award.

Another key feature of the project was the use of a sustainable drainage system to manage surface water. A central pond collects rainwater from the roofs and paved areas and filters it, before returning it to the waterways. As well as providing a solution to the problem of excess surface water, this also provides an opportunity to investigate biodiversity by introducing new species to the pond that were not on the site previously.

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MEE TING CARBON TARGE TS

As substantial energy users, the higher education sector needs to play its part in meeting carbon reduction targets as part of the carbon against climate change fight. Energy efficiency also has a direct influence on running costs, and reducing carbon emissions has therefore become a key requirement in the design, construction and management of modern higher education buildings.

BuroHappold is a pioneer in the use of sustainable strategies and technologies that minimise carbon footprint and set new standards for energy performance.

We help institutions identify and implement ways of saving energy in all areas of a building’s procurement, design and operation, often drawing on the large stock of data gained from our post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) to recommend the best options for our clients.

CASE STUDY 15: The brief to renovate the Carl J. Shapiro Science Center at Brandeis University included creating an environmentally responsible design that is consistent with the university’s position as a charter signatory to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. This required the development to achieve a LEED Silver equivalent or better standard.

A number of solutions were incorporated into the building design to minimise energy consumption while meeting the requirements of the research program.

Areas requiring 100% outside air were minimised by separating the building into a ‘high energy’ lab wing utilising a Variable Air Volume (VAV) system and a ‘low energy’ office wing with individual fan coil units.

This strategy enabled overall airflow in the building to be reduced by 36% from the baseline design which was based on an all-VAV system. In the laboratory spaces, the use of high efficiency flow fume hoods has reduced overall energy consumption by another 8% following occupation.

As it was not possible to measure energy reduction and consumption using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star Target Finder due to the nature of the building, the energy consumption information was entered into the Labs21 Energy Benchmarking Database and compared against 31 other chemistry laboratories. Brandeis is a unique building on the database due to its widespread use of extremely hazardous substances, which has a direct effect on the overall energy consumption. However, the solutions incorporated in the project still resulted in it consuming less energy – 314.05 kBtu/sf/year – than the mean average of all 31 chemistry laboratories.

Additionally, Brandeis also has a lower energy consumption than the mean of all 101 other laboratories of all types on the database.

Brandeis University, Carl J. Shapiro Science Center, MA, USA Images: Rafael Viñoly Architects

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S U S TA I N A B L E D E S I G N

McClay Library, Queen’s University Belfast, UK Images: BuroHappold Engineering / Alan McAteer

CASE STUDY 16: The brief for part of the most significant work on the McClay Library, University of Belfast in years, was to consolidate a disparate range of facilities into one integrated information technology, research and teaching centre. Our experts needed to create a solution that not only accommodated these demands but also met the client’s sustainability aspirations.

Our building services engineers incorporated a number of tried and tested energy saving features such as passive heating and cooling, natural ventilation with automatically operable windows controlled by the building management system, ground source heat pump and rainwater harvesting.

The heat from the main campus computer server room in the building basement is recovered for use in heating the building.

In conjunction with extensive use of ground source heat pumps it enables

energy to be stored on a seasonal basis, reducing the carbon emissions significantly overall by providing free heating for much of the year. A hybrid ventilation system allows natural ventilation to be used for much of the building, while mechanical systems with extensive heat recovery ensure excellent environmental quality in the deeper spaces without incurring an energy penalty.

Working closely with the Estates departments, our team delivered a phased construction and handover schedule allowing the university to relocate staff whilst works continued.

Our design has made a significant contribution in enhancing the wider campus and creating a successful environment capable of supporting learning and research for future generations.

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S U S TA I N A B L E D E S I G N

RENE WABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Growing environmental concerns and national and local legislation are driving the increased use of low and zero carbon (LZC) energy sources. These mitigate the impact of buildings by reducing fossil fuel use, as well as adding value through energy security and whole life cost savings. BuroHappold is able to offer expert strategic advice on energy planning and policy, regulatory requirements, energy procurement and renewable energy options. We have in-depth experience gained on projects worldwide of implementing a broad range of innovative green solutions, including biomass heating, solar power, wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, combined heat and power (CHP) systems and ground source heat pumps.

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), University of Sheffield, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Daniel Hopkinson

“It’s possible to save a third of a building’s energy simply by educating users how to operate it more efficiently.”

Phil Lines Regional Discipline Leader, BuroHappold Engineering

CASE STUDY 17: The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) demonstrates the financial viability of carbon neutral buildings.

It exemplifies good building form design, the appropriate use of materials and how servicing solutions can be applied to complement a building’s low energy credentials. The low energy and sustainable features have enabled the AMRC to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

deep plan areas to ensure daylight penetration. Additionally, materials such as ETFE and Kalwall cladding provide daylighting to areas that could not be lit by conventional windows, and also have good insulation properties. These solutions considerably reduce the need for artificial lighting with its associated running costs and emissions.

Two large wind turbines generate enough electricity to make the building operation zero carbon. The AMRC also makes extensive use of natural daylighting, with around 97% of the accommodation naturally lit most of the time. The design team ensured that the windows were sized to allow in the maximum amount of

Similarly, the building is designed to optimise natural ventilation. In the areas that require mechanical ventilation and cooling for operational purposes, flexibility is built in to allow the spaces to be naturally ventilated if the building’s requirements change at a later date.

light, with roof lights over the

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S U S TA I N A B L E D E S I G N

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

Through extensive research into sustainable construction, BuroHappold is able to utilise materials and techniques that help to create more appealing, productive and environmentally friendly learning environments. We have indepth experience of evaluating materials performance, advising on the best solutions for thermal efficiency and occupant comfort.

We always aim to use materials that suit the form and location of the project from traditional concrete, steel, timber, stone and fabric to new high-tech glass, polymer and gel technologies used in our energy efficient facade systems. We were also early pioneers in the use of lightweight ETFE foil cushions as a sustainable alternative to glazing in roofs and atria.

CASE STUDY 18: The Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) was built at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), Europe’s leading Eco Centre, with a brief to showcase the very latest thinking in environmentally conscious building design. The sustainable elements of the building are demonstrated through the exposed structure, which also functions as an educational tool for residential courses in subjects including architecture and engineering.

Among the innovative features of the building are the rammed earth walls in the Institute’s lecture theatre, which were constructed using a highly sustainable mix of clay, sand, water and aggregate. These materials were then built up in thin layers before being tamped down to form the walls, creating a natural alternative to a concrete or steel building. The circular wall of the theatre is 7.5m high and 15m in

diameter, measuring 450mm in width.

Utilising some 280 tonnes of soil, it is the largest rammed earth project to be built in the UK. The large three storey split-level building next to the lecture theatre includes study bedrooms, offices, seminar rooms and workshops, and makes extensive use of locally sourced timber. Glulam beams create a framed structure, supporting an innovative solid timber floor to maximise spans and provide the ceiling of the space below. A lime and hemp fill material is used between the structural posts and beams of the building, a solution that was chosen for its excellent insulation properties and sustainability credentials. The fill material was pumped into place using a technique developed in conjunction with Lime Technology, a specialist contractor.

WaIes Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE), Machynlleth, UK Images: BuroHappold Engineering / Adam Wilson

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ADDING

VA L U E

“Our design solutions are easily constructed, environmentally responsible, efficient in their use of energy and deliver exceptional value throughout the project lifecycle.�

Neil Squibbs Education Sector Director, BuroHappold Engineering 30

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GE T TING MORE FROM YOUR INVESTMENT IN THE LONG TERM

Operating in a competitive international market, universities are acutely aware of rising costs and budgetary constraints. With pressure increasing on public and private funding in the next few years, the need to control construction and operational costs is vital on every new development. Together with space utilisation and sustainability, getting more value from capital investment has become one of the key issues driving the sector.

There are many ways in which we are able to use our experience and technical skills to help universities save money. We apply a wide range of strategies during both the development and operational phases to add value and promote the best commercial interests of our clients, from the use of flexible construction methods to low energy technologies. After completion, we offer post occupancy advice on the most economical way to run and maintain the building.

We have an in-depth understanding of current legislation for the built environment and can provide expert advice on vital issues such as energy efficiency, carbon reduction, passive design, ICT and building management. Our expertise in both new build and refurbishment gives university estates more options for managing and maintaining their building stock, essential in the current economic climate.

Open University Jennie Lee Building, Milton Keynes, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Robert Greshoff

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A D D I N G VA LU E

FLEXIBLE CONSTRUC TION

BuroHappold is able to add value by designing higher education facilities that are adaptable to future changes of use and technology while being costeffective to build and maintain. Flexibility is essential to achieving long-term value and lower operating costs; university design has to consider issues such as changes in faculty requirements, rising student numbers and the integration of new technology and equipment. To deliver economical and future-proof solutions we consider key aspects such as flexibility of space planning, accessible primary services distribution, the standardisation of structural elements, use of off-site prefabrication and the future planning of ICT connectivity.

Sighthill Campus at Napier University, UK Image: RMJM

CASE STUDY 19: Flexibility to enable future changes of use was an important element in the design of York University Bioscience Research Facility. The building accommodates research teams of differing sizes, from individuals to larger groups, which can change over time. This required a flexible approach to allow the facilities to be modified to suit changing requirements.

The building was designed as a modular grid, with a services spine running down the main corridor. This allowed for the room sizes to be altered without having to move the services.

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Similarly, flexibility was an important consideration in the structural design of the new build academic accommodation at Napier University’s Sighthill Campus.

The structural solution that BuroHappold’s engineers applied allowed for future flexibility while maintaining a high quality finish. The hybrid structure uses precast concrete planks on a steel frame, which contributes to the environmental strategy as the concrete is exposed at a high level, providing thermal mass. This composite solution uses precast concrete elements that fit into the depths of a steel frame, with a flat soffit that is both flexible and provides the aesthetic appearance required by the architect and the client.

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York University Biosciences Research Facility, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Adam Wilson

A D D I N G VA LU E

REFURBISHMENT

Many universities need to satisfy growing demand for space while operating within stricter spending limits. One clear value-formoney solution is to re-use the large stock of existing buildings which can be successfully updated to meet current standards.

Refurbishment is generally quicker and cheaper than new construction, offers a good return on capital outlay and is often more sustainable. Buildings can be reconfigured for changes of use or adapted to accommodate new facilities and ICT services.

Refurbishment can also stand as a practical demonstration of urban regeneration as well as an opportunity for extending the useful life of an existing building and increasing its energy efficiency in operation.

The Jessop Building, University of Sheffield Images: BuroHappold Engineering

CASE STUDY 20:

“By bringing the building back to life we have created excellent facilities for our Department of Music and have retained a piece of exquisite Victorian architecture for the city.”

Professor Keith Burnett Vice Chancellor of the University of Sheffield

BuroHappold’s work on refurbishing the Grade II listed Victorian wing of the old Jessop Hospital for Women, now named The Jessop Building, for the University of Sheffield, includes reinstating and repairing many of the existing features of the building, as well as adding brand new elements. These include a new entrance and bronze cladding to the rear of the building. As the bronze weathers, it will further complement the colours of the original building. BuroHappold carried out structural repair works to the existing facade to strengthen the tower structure, as well as internal alterations to open up the rooms for students and to facilitate the mechanical servicing strategy required to meet the high acoustic requirements of the music department’s teaching rooms. A former bay window and ground floor staircase previously removed have been reinstated, creating stunning architectural features for the building.

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A D D I N G VA LU E

IC T INFR ASTRUC TURE

In a world where it is no longer possible to consider the built environment without the influence of ICT, the need for a highly capable and accessible ICT infrastructure is a vital part of modern higher education facilities. With new information technology and services introduced frequently, intelligently designed ICT infrastructures provide the bridge to long-life buildings, enabling rapid take up of new solutions economically and without undue disruption to the building. Through early involvement at design stage, we are able to facilitate progressive change that adds whole life value to projects, by ensuring that developments can support evolving communication requirements and meet sustainability demands.

Universities have three different major end user groups to consider: students, academics and administrative staff. In the early stages of a project, our team works with the client to assess their differing objectives and develop a robust ICT infrastructure that best suits the needs of the occupants. Our engineers implement sophisticated and future-ready ICT systems that maximise capacity while keeping costs under control.

CASE STUDY: 21 WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY: WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY: SMART BUILDINGS Wireless services form an integral and growing component of ICT estates. BuroHappold’s Wireless services form an integral and will be required working to manage the site day Creating site involves joining team havea ‘smart’ the expertise to deliver effective wireless capability, holistically with component of ICT estates. to day than with traditional disparate together various building the designthe team to ensure thatsystems, new systems are successfully implemented and will go “Materials, structures etc impact ongrowing the wireless BuroHappold’s team has the expertise systems.

Additionally,ofsmart sites also including lighting on workingsecurity, within the builtand environment. The careful consideration factors such as performance ofcosts, a building, as does user density. to deliver effective wireless capability, as less cabling environmental systems, to work as an choice of materials and how the building will bereduce used isconstruction important when making a project working holistically with the design is needed during installation,aspect reducing of installing integrated whole, intelligently and The most important a wireless. team to ensure that new systems are containment and construction. On selectively linking with management successful ICT infrastructure is forward planning successfully implemented and will go on refurbishment projects, costs can be applications such as timetabling and room to identify these issues in advance.working We lead within the built environment. The mitigated by incorporating existing booking. This requires collaboration with careful consideration of factors such as systems into a new smart solution. Once the client team to consider how they will holistic thinking to achieve this.” choice of materials and how the building a smart solution has been introduced, the operate with the overall design concept Chris Yates will be used is important when making a post occupancy evaluations and tuning and the eventual users. These combined ICT Consultant, BuroHappold Engineering project wireless. can be undertaken much more effectively, systems can then be operated using an contributing to further savings, and integrated facilities management system, increasing a building’s flexibility of use. allowing for more effective operation and functionality, while lowering costs, not least by contributing to energy conservation. If implemented correctly, creating a smart site can greatly reduce operating costs, as fewer operating staff

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A D D I N G VA LU E

CASE STUDY: 22 The Open University’s Jennie Lee Building is a cutting edge facility housing the Faculties of Maths and Computing and the Institute of Educational Technology.

BuroHappold worked on the scoping of requirements and the design of an ICT infrastructure that would support the maths department in its new accommodation, ensuring that the ICT facilities were of the quality demanded by this leading research and teaching university. The department also includes high-tech laboratories for modelling, monitoring and measuring human

behaviours, and this required the provision of extensive audio-visual (AV) facilities, as well as a capable ‘local’ computer centre within the building.

BuroHappold worked with the university estates department, the user departments and building designers across a range of disciplines to undertake the full systems design, and prepared the contractor’s requirements. We provided support to the design and client teams throughout, and contributed to successfully delivering a major new facility to the university.

Open University Jennie Lee Building, Milton Keynes, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Robert Greshoff

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A D D I N G VA LU E

REDUCING ENERGY COSTS

Design features that reduce the consumption of energy and water have both environmental and cost-saving benefits. Our engineers incorporate a range of solutions to help limit the amount of energy used within university buildings and reduce reliance on active systems, from passive design methods such as natural lighting and ventilation to renewables and building control systems.

As well as designing buildings, our specialist post occupancy teams provide advice on sustainable building operation.

This has reduced energy consumption in some buildings by over 50% through effective user training and improvements in space utilisation.

CASE STUDY 23: At the start of the Imperial College Business School project, electrical demand for the campus was almost at full capacity, with excess steam producing 2MW of waste heat from the existing boiler and district heating system. In order to harness this excess energy and provided greater efficiency, BuroHappold introduced an absorption cooling strategy that would reuse the waste heat and cool the business school. Harnessing this power enabled us to provide some of the absorption chillers for the site at no additional cost other than the initial installation, as they were powered by energy that would otherwise have been wasted.

“We are able to help our clients save energy in the long term by advising on how their buildings should be used as well as built.”

Phil Lines Regional Discipline Leader, BuroHappold Engineering

Imperial College Business School, London, UK

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Feedback from a lifecycle analysis made it clear that 100% absorption cooling was not appropriate to meet the client’s budget constraints, but that a balance between cost and the environment could be achieved however by using 50% absorption, ‘topped up’ by a conventional electric chiller during peak conditions throughout the year. The use of the electric chiller is minimised, allowing the client to remain in budget and also to reduce maintenance costs.

A D D I N G VA LU E

Institute of Criminology, Cambridge University, UK Images: BuroHappold Engineering / Robert Greshoff

CASE STUDY 24: The state-of-the-art Institute of Criminology building at Cambridge University houses seminar rooms, lecture theatres, IT spaces and a library situated over two floors. Flexibility in the design has ensured that the building can be adapted to meet changing needs, for example, for less cellular and more open plan space in the future. The flexibility of building services as well as the architectural and structural design adds value by reducing the cost of future modifications, while reducing energy use through the incorporation of a number of energysaving features.

The services, facade and internal spaces are designed on a regular grid so that fittings like windows and radiators can remain in place if partitions are moved.

Because of the east/west orientation, blinds may be in regular use to block out the low sun, so a natural ventilation solution was designed that relies on louvred openings rather than windows.

To reduce energy use, the Building Management System (BMS) provides a number of facilities to control the heating and ventilation, including timed operation across different zones, direct compensation of water flow temperature and control and sequencing of the condensing boilers.

“By optimising the building’s planning grid we provided added value in terms of future flexibility, ease of modification and cost saving.”

Mike Entwisle Director, BuroHappold Engineering

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A D D I N G VA LU E

POST OCCUPANCY E VALUATION

Many issues with new and refurbished buildings for example, insufficient insulation, poor ventilation and inefficient control systems, cannot always be identified at design and construction stage. Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is an effective method of assessing buildings and how they are functioning, while identifying ways to improve building design, performance and fitness for purpose. By using POE and our extensive knowledge of university buildings, we are able to advise on issues such as reducing carbon emissions in line with increasingly tight benchmarks and how to save money on operational costs.

POE provides the design team with valuable data which can be used to recommend the best value options for clients. By enabling us to quantify the sustainability of occupied buildings and

advise on changes to practice or policy, POE becomes a vital tool for optimising the performance of both new and refurbished buildings. For this reason, investing in a POE can reap rewards many times over, not only by reducing energy costs but also by enhancing the quality and comfort of the learning or living space.

Using ‘Soft Landings’ – an approach that provides a service aimed at improving building performance from day one – our specialists engage at the earliest opportunity in a project to provide guidance on post occupancy utilisation and assist the design teams in creating the vision behind the project in terms of functionality, usability, manageability, energy efficiency, environmental performance and occupant satisfaction.

This is supported with post occupancy studies to inform the client and to

CASE STUDY 25: Incorporating lecture theatres, teaching spaces and office accommodation, the Portland Building at the University of Plymouth enables the Faculty of the Environment to exist as a single complex on the campus. A strong environmental agenda was central to the brief, which required sustainable solutions for cooling, ventilation and lighting. BuroHappold carried out a post-occupancy evaluation to ensure that low energy performance was being achieved during the first year of operation. The process also allowed us to ‘bed in’ the mechanical and electrical systems and tailor their control to suit occupant needs.

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allow fine tuning of the building to ensure optimum performance and user satisfaction. We are able to work with end users to educate them on how to get the best out of their buildings, working with the existing staff and their skills set to assist them in operating new control systems. Using advanced analysis techniques, our in-depth evaluations include desktop and thermal imaging studies, air-tightness testing and occupant comfort surveys.

Our experts work closely with the end user to identify how a building needs to work for them, and what steps should be taken to achieve the best results. This participation with the client can lead to a greater commitment to solutions we introduce, and a greater willingness to adapt to new ways of operating the site.

Portland Building, University of Plymouth, UK Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Mandy Reynolds

University College Falmouth Tremough Campus, UK

Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Mandy Reynolds

CASE STUDY 26: University College Falmouth’s 72-acre Tremough Campus is at the hub of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project to extend higher education provision in the county. The ongoing expansion of the campus is being carried out in several phases, the first of which included a major new academic building that incorporates lecture theatres, faculty buildings, student facilities and a new design centre.

BuroHappold was commissioned to carry out a post-occupancy energy audit to assess the electricity and gas usage of the new build element against a range of benchmark targets. After first establishing the benchmarks for the different types of building and floor area involved, investigations were carried out into the annual utility consumption and how it is metered, including a walk-around energy audit to understand how spaces were used and serviced.

By evaluating the energy required for various end-uses, we were able to recommend a number of energy efficient measures to reduce consumption, such as introducing an energy management strategy and improving control of plant to tie in with user requirements at different times such as, minimising the amount of air conditioning used in sparsely occupied zones during vacations.

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ENERGY USE AND CARBON REDUCTION

WORKING IN

PA R T N E R S H I P

“BuroHappold offers a unique benefit to clients through its holistic and multidisciplinary approach…by engaging with all parties we can provide the best solution to stakeholder requirements.”

Andy Keelin Group Director, BuroHappold Engineering 40

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DELIVERING PROJEC TS IN A SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION Good design is achieved through positive collaboration, so it is important to work in partnership with clients, architects and other members of the design team to share information and contribute to problem solving. By identifying client aspirations early on in the design process, we are able to establish the levels of performance required from the structure and systems and then advise on the most appropriate and economical procurement routes. Our close involvement with the whole design team means we can incorporate high levels of buildability into our solutions.

By working holistically and identifying any potential challenges in advance, our engineers are able to add value to all areas of the design and ensure that the experience of the higher education environment is a positive one for both staff and students. Our aim is to go beyond legal compliance and help clients with responsibilities for estates and facilities to be better informed about effective practice in areas such as energy performance, flexible construction and carbon management.

When working with universities we strive to make engineering more understandable to all the parties involved, explaining how innovative approaches or technologies could work for them.

With our wealth of experience to draw on, we are able to provide valuable insights into how to create modern, flexible higher education environments that are fit for the 21st century.

Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Robert Greshoff

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W O R K I N G I N PA R T N E R S H I P

WORKING WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND CLIENTS

Napier University’s new Sighthill campus, Edinburgh, UK Image: RMJM

Building relationships through constructive engagement is central to BuroHappold’s approach; we always aim to present an integrated solution, engaging both across the disciplines and with the university estate to provide the best learning environments. In this way it is possible to challenge, debate and share information to achieve the right solution to meet the needs of architects, clients and stakeholders.

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CASE STUDY 27: Napier University’s Sighthill Campus project comprises the refurbishment of the faculty buildings for the schools of Health, Life and Social Sciences, and 13,900m² of new build accommodation including laboratories, lecture theatres and sports facilities.

One of the requirements is that 20% of the energy used on site is generated from local renewable energy sources.

BuroHappold adopted a collaborative approach from the outset of the project. If an engineering concern arose with the scheme, the design team would put together a design paper to identify the key issues and recommend solutions for the client. This helped the client to have a better understanding of each element of the project, enabling the team to fully demonstrate our solutions before arriving at the final design.

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W O R K I N G I N PA R T N E R S H I P

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

CASE STUDY 28: An important scheme for Exeter University, this multi-faceted project uses a naturally ventilated street space to unite a disjointed series of existing buildings to create a focus for the campus and increase the appeal of this high performing university still further. The scheme also provides a wealth of additional facilities, including teaching and study rooms, a retail development and new student services accommodation, while targeting a BREEAM “Excellent” rating.

BuroHappold has provided a wide variety of services for this project, ranging from building services and structural engineering through to people flow modelling, highways consultancy, sustainability and auralisation techniques to demonstrate the noise that would be heard in the refurbished library when rock concerts take place in the adjoining hall. Our integrated approach to the engineering enabled the whole project team to think about the scheme rather than having to worry about the design interfaces between different specialists.

Regular internal co-ordination sessions ensured that design issues were captured and addressed efficiently and

our multidisciplinary outlook enabled us to cover many aspects of the project with a single representative at key client meetings.

The street has a partially glazed timber gridshell roof and captures passive solar gain in winter for use in the surrounding buildings while also acting as a source of ventilation to selected areas. A series of stack vents and chimneys ensure that even the deep plan spaces in the new building are naturally ventilated, and the use of mechanical cooling in the auditorium space is avoided through the use of earth tubes which precool the incoming air in summer and preheat it in winter. The existing library adjacent is also being refurbished and offers an opportunity to unite the energy strategy for this part of the campus and reduce in use costs and environmental impact, both of which are of great importance to universities The undulating gridshell roof is designed as one continuous surface that flows across the site, sheltering the new Forum space below and maximising structural efficiency while creating column free spaces in open plan areas below.

EXETER UNIVERSITY FORUM - VENTILATION High-level mechanical extract

Natural ventilation at the perimeter

EXPLORATION LABS

STUDENT SERVICE CENTRE

AHU

RETAIL

Intake air from Earth Tubes

Retail capped connection to supply and extract ductwork

Bank capped connection to supply and extract ductwork

Low-level displacement supply from raised access floor plenum

Image: BuroHappold Engineering

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SER VICES INTEGRATED MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING BuroHappold delivers world-class engineering consultancy across a range of disciplines spanning buildings, infrastructure, environment, and project management. We combine creativity with solid technical skills and an awareness of the key drivers that shape projects in the higher education sector.

Acoustics Asset management Bridges and civil structures Building services engineering (MEP) Coastal and marine Computational analysis Drainage and storm water management Earthworks Economic development Economic infrastructure Environment Facades Fire engineering Flood risk Geoenvironmental Geotechnical Highway engineering Inclusive design

Integrated development planning IT communications and control Lighting Organisational development People movement Procurement Project management Regional planning Safe & Secure SMART solutions Structural engineering Sustainability Sustainability and environment Transport Transport planning Urban development Utilities engineering Water Al Faisal University, Riyadh, KSA Image: BuroHappold Engineering

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INDEX DELIVERING INNO VATIVE SOLUTIONS WITH WORLD CLASS AR CHITEC TS Featured Project

Case Study

Architect

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) University of Sheffeld, UK

17

Bond Bryan Architects

Aileron 11 Dayton, Ohio, USA

Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership

Al Faisal University Riyadh, KSA

8

Hijjas Kasturi Associates

Alsion Campus Syddansk University, Denmark

13

3XN Architects

Bard College, Center for Science and Computation Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, USA

6

Rafael Vinoly Architects PC

Brandeis University, Carl J. Shapiro Science Center Waltham, MA, USA

2, 15

Payette

Combined Universities in Cornwall Falmouth, UK

26

Capita Percy Thomas

Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Centre (EMPAC) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA

12

Grimshaw, Davis Brody Bond Aedas

English Institute of Sport at the University of Bath Bath, UK

7

David Morley Architects

Exeter University Forum Exeter, UK

6, 28

Wilkinson Eyre Architects

Imperial College Business School London, UK

1, 23

Foster + Partners

Institute of Criminology at Cambridge University Cambridge, UK

5, 24

Allies & Morrison

Kuwait University Kuwait City, Kuwait

10

The Canadian Consortium Architects (CCA)

McClay Library Queen’s University Belfast, UK

16

SBRA/RPP Architects

Nanoscience and Quantum Information Laboratory University of Bristol, UK

4

Capita Architecture

National University of Singapore Singapore

9

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

Open University Jennie Lee Building Milton Keynes, UK

22

Swanke Hayden Connells Architects

Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, UK

14

Dyer Associates

Sighthill Campus, Napier University Edinburgh, UK

19, 27

RMJM architects

The Jessop Building Sheffield, UK

20

careyjones chapmantolcher

University of Dundee Library Dundee, UK

3 Austin-Smith:Lord

University of Plymouth, Portland Square Plymouth, UK

25

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) Machynlleth, UK

18

Pat Borer and David Lea Architects

York University Biosciences Research Facility York, UK

19

Anshen + Allen BUROHAPPOLD ENGINEERING

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AWARDS INDUSTRY RECOGNITION ACE Engineering Excellence Awards

British Council for Offices Awards

ighly Commended: Structures and Services 2011 H The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

2010 Winnner: Projects up to 2,000m2 57-59 Bread Street, Edinburgh, UK

2010 W inner: Engineering Ambassador of the Year Rod Macdonald, Chairman, BuroHappold Engineering

2009 Winnner: Corporate Workplace The Informatics Forum, University of Edinburgh School of Informatics, UK

2009 W inner: Building Services (Large firm) Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority HQ, UK

Winnner: Projects over 2,000m2 Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority HQ, UK

Highly Commended: Building Structures (Large firm) The O2, Dublin, UK

Highly Commended: Infrastructure (Large firm) M8 Harthill Footbridge Replacement, UK

The Aga Khan Award For Architecture 2010 Winner: Wadi Hanifah, Riyadh, KSA

Building Awards 2011 Winner: Project of the Year The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK 2010 Shortlisted: Engineering Consultancy of the Year 2010 Finalist: Public Building of the Year The John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, UK

American Institute of Architects Awards Winner: New York State Award of Excellence 2008 Sheila C. Johnson Design Center at Parson’s the New School of Design, New York, NY, USA

Winner: New York State Building Type Award: Educational Facility Design Honor Award Sheila C. Johnson Design Center at Parson’s the New School of Design, New York, NY, USA American Institute of Steel (AISC) Awards 2011 N ational Certificate of Recognition Indian Paintbrush Productions Studios, Santa Monica, CA, USA BREEAM 2011 Winner: Assessor of the Year for non-domestic projects Jane Boyle, BuroHappold Engineering British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA) 2011 Shortlisted: Major UK building project over £50 million Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK The Cube, Birmingham, UK Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park, UK

Shortlisted: International project Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, Astana, Kazakhstan

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Carbon Trust 2009 Low Carbon Building Award: Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority HQ, UK Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in the Middle East & North Africa 2010 Winner: Best Sustainable Development Category King Abdullah International Gardens, Riyadh, KSA Civic Trust Awards 2011 Special Award for Scotland: The Briggait Glasgow, UK Michael Middleton Special Award: Norwich Cathedral Visitors’ Centre, UK

Awards: The Meat Factory, Nottingham, UK People’s History Museum, Manchester, UK Oriel Mostyn, Llandudno, UK Commended: John Hope Gateway, Edinburgh, UK McClay Library, Queens University Belfast, UK Barking Central, London, UK John Moore’s University Art & Design Academy, Liverpool, UK

ENR New York Winner: Best Projects Award for engineering excellence in 2011 the office category United States Institute of Peace Headquarters (USIP), Washington, D.C., USA

Polish Union of Building Engineers and Technicians, the Ministry of Infrastructure and the General Inspector of Building Control Poland 2011 Winner: Building of the Year Copernicus Science Center and the British Embassy, Warsaw, Poland

IStructE Awards 2009 Commendation: Award for Arts or Entertainment Structures Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA

Commendation: Award for Arts or Entertainment Structures Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA

Commendation: Award for Industrial or Process Structures AMRC, Sheffield, UK International Lighting Design Award 2011 Award of Excellence Sperone Westwater Gallery, New York City, NY, USA Living Buiding Challenge Certificate Programme 2011 Award: ‘Living’ Status Hawaii Preparatory Academy Energy Laboratory, Kamuela, HI, USA Middle East Architect Awards 2011 Winner: Engineering Firm of the Year

RIBA National Awards 2011 Winner: Architectural excellence in Europe award Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland

Winner: International Award Boston’s Museum of Fine Art, Boston, MA, USA Scottish Design Awards 2011 Architecture Award Commended: University of Edinburgh Business School, UK

Engineering Design Award Winner: Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway, UK

Future Buildings Award Commended: Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK

Sustainable Design Award Commended: Highland Housing Expo - Passive House (HLM Architects), UK Stirling Prize 2011 Shortlisted: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York)

Winner: Commercial project of the Year King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, KSA

2011 W inner: Gold Award in Research and Consulting Lynn University Energy Master Plan, Boca Raton, FL, USA

Winner: Public Sector, Institutional & Cultural Project of the Year Institute of Diplomatic Studies, Riyadh, KSA

Winner: Platinum Award in Bulding/Technology Systems Hawaii Preparatory Academy Energy Laboratory, Kamuela, HI, USA

Winner: Residential Project of the Year Aino Mina, Afghanistan

Winner: Diamond Awards for Excellence in Structural Systems Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA

Winner: Sustainable Design of the Year Aino Mina, Afghanistan

Winner: Engineer of the Year Andrea Scotti, Associate, BuroHappold Engineering

The Royal Academy of Engineering 2008 W inner: Silver Medal Paul Westbury, BuroHappold Engineering

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HIGHER EDUCATION PROJEC T SHOWCASE DELIVERING INNO VATIVE SOLUTIONS WITH W ORLD CLASS AR CHITEC TS Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) University of Sheffield, UK Architect: Bond Bryan

Brandeis University MA, USA Architect: Payette

Bard College, Center for Science and Computation Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, USA Architect: Rafael Vinoly Architects PC

Nanoscience and Quantum Information Laboratory University of Bristol, UK Architect: Capita Architecture

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University of Dundee Library Extension Dundee, UK Architect: Austin-Smith:Lord

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Al Faisal University Riyadh, KSA Architect: Hijjas Kasturi Associates

Kuwait University Kuwait City, Kuwait Architect: The Canadian Consortium Architects (CCA)

National University of Singapore Singapore Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

Open University Jennie Lee Building Milton Keynes, UK Architect: Swanke Hayden Connells Architects

Aileron Dayton, Ohio, USA Architect: Lee H. Skolnick + Design Partnership

McClay Library, Queen’s University Belfast UK Architect: SBRA/RPP Architects

Alsion Campus Syddansk University, Denmark Architect: 3XN Architects

Imperial College Business School London, UK Architect: Foster + Partners

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BuroHappold Engineering is an independent, international engineering firm with a reputation, built up over the last 40 years, for delivering creative, value led building and city solutions for an ever changing world.

Described by our clients as ‘passionate’, ‘innovative’, ‘collaborative’, ‘magic’, our global community of driven, world leading engineering professionals based in offices across Europe, America, China, India and the Middle East deliver elegant solutions for buildings and cities that address the major problems facing societies today: resource shortage, climate change, increasing urbanisation and its associated effects.

Using integrated approaches that aim to create innovative, holistic and flexible solutions we work closely with a diverse range of celebrated experts: architects, economists, academics, visionaries, to define, develop and deliver strategic, people focused outcomes. These strong relationships provide us with additional insight and perspectives that ensure the solutions we find can more effectively bridge science with society. Our work culture drives the can-do attitude our clients have come to expect of us, and ever since its inception, the World Architecture 100 poll has consistently voted BuroHappold as one of the very best engineering organisations to work with.

BuroHappold works alongside some of the world’s most respected and influential international organisations.

We have advised and acted for the United 50

Nations, the World Bank and UNESCO in their endeavours to alleviate poverty and provide new thinking to solve old problems and have worked in support of a wide range of significant public and private sector clients across the full portfolio of our services.

Our people have skills that straddle a wide diversity of expertise and specialities: technical experts who can turn their hand to all the traditional engineering disciplines, as well as integrators who can bring people together to lead and communicate holistic solutions such as frameworks for revitalising failing cities and pioneering master plans for emerging cities: people-flow specialists who can move a million people across the desert with ease: innovators who engineer facades that absorb pollution or create acoustic venues overnight from rope, wood and sheer hard work. We employ economists and planners who can help to create flexible strategies, specialists whose skills range from water management through to material science, and serial innovators who help us to find our unique solutions to our clients’ unique problems.

Our team is deliberately broad based.

We have a reputation for embracing the difficult and our teams tackle complex issues head on. But we don’t just look for

B U R O H A P P O L D O N H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N

straight forward answers; we question, investigate and challenge our clients to look wider than the immediate space of their projects, helping them to understand and address social, financial and environmental impacts as well as the obvious technical ones.

Our innovative thinking has delivered a plethora of benefits for our clients that can in turn deliver higher than expected returns on their investments including happier, greater occupant productivity, increased energy savings and reduced material usage to name but a few. Our thinking has also delivered advantages with a far wider influence; award winning buildings catalysing broader sustainable regeneration, increased people flow resulting in new retail and residential opportunities and smart strategies attracting new sustainable investment.

At BuroHappold we believe in harnessing the special magic of our people’s engineering minds; it is this combination of ingenuity and bravery that is helping us create a future that is solution-led, not problem driven and is in turn helping us to reclaim Engineering and to showcase what the very best that we can offer can really achieve.

Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, KSA Architect: Foster + Partners Image: BuroHappold Engineering / Joe Poon

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BUROHAPPOLD ON

H I G RHEESRI DE EDNUTCI AT A LI O N

C O N TA C T Tel: +44 (0)1225 320 600 Email: mike.entwisle@burohappold.com

w w w.burohappold.com Front cover image Bard College Center for Science and Computation, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, USA Architect: Rafael Viñoly Architects PC Image: Rafael Viñoly Architects PC

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Mike Entwisle