Coventry University, Alison Gingell Building

Coventry, UK

Challenging traditional science and health pedagogy

Coventry University’s new state-of-the-art Science and Health Building

forms part of the development of its city centre Health and Life Sciences Quadrant, furthering a major investment programme aimed at strengthening the University’s reputation as a centre of excellence for learning and research.

A series of workshops were held with stakeholders, including academics and students, to explore how health and science pedagogy could be reimagined. These discussions helped shift the focus away from traditional cellular models of teaching and office space, towards a more active, practical and ‘real life’ approach to learning.

Coventry University, Alison Gingell Building

Facts

Client:

Coventry University

Status:

Completed

Awards:

Health and Life Sciences Buildings 2019 - S-Lab Awards 2019 , Inspiring Learning Spaces: - Education Estates Awards 2018

Highly specialised facilities have been designed to replicate the entire ‘patient journey’ — from accident and emergency through to recovery. These truly interactive and flexible spaces include simulated hospital wards, complete with live actors, as well as purpose-built community houses for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The building is not solely for training students on healthcare courses; for the first time, it brings together the entire Faculty of Health and Life Sciences under one roof. It also houses professional-standard laboratories and Olympic-grade fitness and sports research facilities.

“This is a building that has been designed ‘from the inside out’, driven by the needs of its users and how collaboration between spaces can be maximised.”

Mark Evans, Director

The brand new Lab+ is the first industry-grade education-based laboratory of its kind in the country. Housing up to 250 students at one time, Lab+ is home to the latest industry standard microscopy, haematology and forensic testing equipment, enabling students to gain real-world practical experience.

The Lab, which is fully DDA-compliant, is designed to host practical sessions covering Microbiology, Molecular Forensics, Cell Biology, Food Science and Pharmacology.

Prominently located to the south of the city centre, the building provides a strong and contemporary landmark that acts as a signpost to the University’s aspirations and ambition.

Sensitively designed to complement Coventry’s surrounding urban grain and heritage, the design features a minimal material palette with handmade brick interacting with strong exposed concrete columns and soft timber wrapping. Shallow floor plates offer great flexibility for the client, with internal spaces allowing adaptability within the structural envelope. The internal circulation has been designed to enhance the interconnectivity of spaces and activities.

"We’re incredibly happy with our ground-breaking new building. We haven’t just got a great building for today, this building will adapt with us over time, providing a fitting home for some of the best students in the country, putting Coventry University firmly on the map."

Professor Guy Daly, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University

"We’re incredibly happy with our ground-breaking new building. We haven’t just got a great building for today, this building will adapt with us over time, providing a fitting home for some of the best students in the country, putting Coventry University firmly on the map."

Professor Guy Daly, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University