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Adaptive reuse creates Sports Science Building for Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University’s new Institute of Sport has opened following the completion of a project that reused an existing building on the campus. The full refurbishment of the former students’ union on Manchester’s Oxford Road Knowledge Corridor enables the University to create a globally recognised brand in sport science education and research.
The new interdisciplinary institute brings together world-leading researchers in musculoskeletal science and sports medicine with a range of experts in sports policy, business, law and culture all collaborating from across the University’s faculties. Although the institute is currently part of the Faculty for Science and Engineering, the group aspires to become a world leader in sports science and an independent university department.
Architect Director at BDP, Michael Cambden, explains: “The old students’ union building had a great deal of cultural significance in the city – Nirvana and U2, amongst other bands have played there over the years but the facility became old and underused. We worked closely with academics and end users throughout the design and construction process to create the very best, user-centred, inspirational education and research environment and an exceptionally green building.
“Our strategic approach to the project was to adopt simple, low energy technologies to create a highly sustainable refurbishment. We assessed the original structure, envelope and spaces to maximise the opportunities for retention, creating an exemplar adaptive reuse project in the education sector. Through our embodied carbon assessment we minimised demolition and the need for valuable natural resources, saving more than 1 million kg of carbon, the equivalent of running the building for 12.6 years. We also developed a Passivhaus approach to the facade design, added photovoltaic panels and highly efficient building services.
“At BDP, we understand the importance of bringing together different disciplines for better collaboration. This is a ground-breaking, science-led education building which will be used by academics, students, scientists and businesses to make new discoveries in sports and sports science for years to come.”
Hi-tech research laboratories including an imaging suite with a 3-tesla MRI scanner, DXA and PQCT suite for bone density analysis, an altitude and environment chamber to simulate diverse climatic conditions, and a muscle function laboratory are located alongside specialist new teaching, study and break-out spaces which support a dynamic teaching and research community.
The Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport opened fully to students in March 2022.
