Winner – Sensor City, Client University of Liverpool, Application IBI Group
Commended – Advanced Engineering Centre, Bridgwater College, Client Bridgewater College, Application by Atkins Ltd
Commended – Future Skills Centre, Client/Application Hampshire County Council
Sensor City, Liverpool
Client – University of Liverpool
Architect – IBI Group
M&E Engineer – Lorne Stewart
Surveyor – Mace
Contractor – Kier
Sensor City is a joint venture between Liverpool John Moores University and The University of Liverpool, and is backed by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Since opening its doors in July 2017, Sensor City has been providing budding entrepreneurs, start-ups, established companies and SMEs with specialist facilities, equipment and expert engineering input required for the development of technologies, that are transferable across a wide variety of international sectors, including health care, logistics and manufacturing.
The stunning Sensor City architectural glass ‘double skin’ façade features the artwork ‘Field of Gold’ by Julian Stocks. Created using ceramic fritted glass, the unique design symbolises the flow of sensor data from digital and analogue forms, and makes extensive use of a pallet of gold, significant as the material is often used in electronics as a conductor. This skin also reduces solar heat gain within the building to minimise energy use and create a comfortable working space.