Innovative workplace design

We are thrilled to announce that the Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building housing the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) has won a BCO National Award for Innovation.

The BCO Awards recognise top quality design and functionality and provide a benchmark for excellence in workplaces, focusing on examples of best practice.

Tony Hordon, Chair of the National Judging Committee, commented:

“The Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building is a triumph of ingenuity and practical design, and provides the perfect platform for the work being done by researchers within. It stands as proof of the energy, creativity and know-how in the Midlands office sector, and is thoroughly deserving of its award.”

Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, said:

“This building really is quite spectacular. The Professor Lord Bhattacharyya Building is a testament to the power of innovation and creative thinking at our universities and in the wider building sector – it is therefore a very worthy winner of our Innovation award.”

Embedded in the University of Warwick campus, the NAIC co-locates industry and academia, challenging traditional models for undertaking research and development. The briefing process was exemplary, establishing visionary objectives at the outset and enabling the partners to progress through all detailed stages of the project.

The scale, complexity, and technical diversity of the range of spaces in the building is almost unparalleled – yet the team achieved an overriding sense of calm and composure to the interior and exterior of the building.

Carol Costello, Practice Leader at Cullinan Studio who led on the interior and workplace design of the NAIC said:

“It’s been our pleasure to engage with all the organisations using the NAIC. We had deep discussions about how to create an environment that would foster innovation, creativity and collaboration. The finished building is the result of many passionate conversations to create a truly inspiring place.”

Executive Chair of WMG, Margot James comments:

“I’m thrilled that the Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building has been recognised in this way, it is a great tribute to the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya’s vision. Having a building that inspires designers, engineers and academics to develop the next generation of transport is excellent news for our partners and the region. The Midlands is the beating heart of automotive in the UK, and the National Automotive Innovation Centre, will be the driving force behind future innovation in transport mobility.”

James Breckon, Director of Estates, at the University of Warwick, said:

“It is great to see this new building being recognised by other professionals and is testament to the wealth of architectural and engineering talent that was brought together to deliver this exemplary sustainable building. It brilliantly draws Industry and Academia together providing an inspirational environment to innovative within. As a landmark building it has transformed the campus at the University of Warwick and is a fitting legacy to the late Prof Lord Bhattacharyya.”