ABOUT
BDP is an international practice of architects, designers, engineers and urbanists. Combining expertise across all disciplines, locations and all major building types, we deliver a truly integrated way of working — resulting in high quality, effective and inspiring built spaces.
As architects and engineers we have worked on award winning projects in all major sectors including established expertise and a growing portfolio in the design of research facilities for science and technology.
Established in 1961, BDP was one of the first interdisciplinary design practices. We have won over 850 awards for design quality and with a staff of over 800 people in 12 studios across the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, the MENA region, India, and China, we are one of the largest architect-led firms in Europe. Our founding principles of collaboration and partnership remain central to our work today.
In the fields of research and technology we collaborate with clients to design environments which foster and inspire world class scientific and technological discovery. We understand the rapid pace of change in R&D and the demand for open, agile and interactive places for research. We pioneer cost effective solutions in response to demanding and complex briefs which synthesise functional excellence with enhanced energy performance and exceptional attention to detail.
Creating Places for People
Our design ethos places the user at the heart of the design process to create the very best environments: places and spaces that inspire and nurture the people who use them. Our projects for science, research and technology capitalise on our experience of working across the academic, commercial and healthcare sectors to produce innovative and striking new buildings where high-tech considerations never eclipse the fundamental drivers of wellbeing and social interaction.
Our science and technology experience includes:
- Centrum, The Genome Centre,John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park,
- Adastral Park,
- Alderley Park Cheshire (pictured above)
- Technology and Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde,
- Physics of Medicine, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology Faculty, The Maxwell Centre,The Nanoscience Centre at the University of Cambridge,
- Astra Zeneca New Global R&D Centre & Corporate Headquarters Cambridge,
- Manchester Science Hub,
- Roche Pharmaceutical Headquarters,
- Defence Science & Technology Laboratory Porton Down,
- Passivhaus Enterprise Centre at the University of East Anglia,
- Pears Building at The Royal Free Hospital and
- several bio containment labs for University College London.
Fully Integrated Design
BDP is ‘Level 2’ BIM compliant in accordance with the requirements of PAS 1192-2:2013, the first practice in the UK to achieve this rating.
BDP is also part of a team to develop the BIM Digital Toolkit which sets standards and guidance for the UK Government. The BIM Toolkit has the potential to transform the procurement of buildings and infrastructure by defining and testing the BIM data required at each stage of the project.
Further Information
BDP’s designs respond to the rapid pace of change in R&D and the demand for open, agile and interactive places for scientific research.
We pioneer cost effective and space efficient solutions in response to demanding and complex briefs which synthesise design and functional excellence with low energy, high sustainability performance in these high technology environments.
For more information please download the Science, Research & Technology brochure here.
NEWS
Creating the Knowledge Cauldron – Part 5: Science on Show
Author: John Roycroft, Chair, Civil and Structural Engineering, BDP In the quest for greater innovation and to atract and retain top talent, the design strategies for science, technology and research buildings have undergone a significant transformation. Organisations...
Creating the Knowledge Cauldron – A Local Network for Global Innovation
SciTech buildings are integral components of vibrant, forward-thinking cities. They not only shape the urban landscape but also contribute to a city's identity and resilience. They drive research, innovation, education, and economic growth while promoting...
Creating the Knowledge Cauldron: Science and Technology for all
Inclusive design is defined as creating buildings and spaces that welcome everyone and consider the needs of people with physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments, including neurodivergence. We design inclusive spaces that empower people to live and thrive; places...
The Knowledge Cauldron: A Lesson for SciTech from Higher Education
Author: Martin Jarvie, Architect Associate, BDP Over the past decade universities have intensified collaboration. In some cases, natural consortia have sprung up due to shared history or geographical proximity, while other institutions have been prompted to explore...
Creating the Knowledge Cauldron: Optimising Building Typologies
Designing for high-tech science, innovation and research starts in a decisively low-tech manner – by face-to-face communication. By working together in the same location, in places where knowledge can be shared within an expansive SciTech ecosystem, valuable...
Interested in joining UKSPA?
Gain exclusive access to members only resources, research papers, statistics and data – as well as discounted or even free entry to the conferences and events we hold through the year.