Sir Michael Uren Hub wins architecture award

The Sir Michael Uren Hub

The Sir Michael Uren Hub on White City Campus has won a major award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

In announcing the 2022 London Award (on 5 May) judges praised “a rare and successful synchronicity, with the triumvirate of architect, client and benefactor each having contributed significantly to this beautifully designed and executed building”.

Billy Choi, Director of the architects Allies and Morrison, said: “We’re delighted that the Sir Michael Uren Hub has won an RIBA London Award, what a fantastic achievement.”

 “The project would not have been possible without the immense support and many years of hard work of everyone at the College, and I would like to thank you all for this and for the amazing opportunity in the first place.”

The 54-metre tall, 13 storey building was first conceived in 2014, and took approximately 1.3m person hours to build, with 29 different subcontractors involved.  When fully occupied it will be a major translational hub for the College, bringing together more than 500 engineers, clinicians and scientists to develop new and affordable medical technologies.

Sir Michael Uren, who made the building possible with a £40m gift, performed the breaking ground ceremony in 2017 and completion was reached in December 2019

Since January 2020 internal fits have been completed, allowing for occupation floor by floor.

Billy Choi said: “It is hugely fulfilling to see the project playing a part in transforming White City into an innovation district, and even more so to see the fascinating scientific work by the many research groups that now call our building their home."

As part of the judging process there were numerous visits by judges, facilitated by Faculty and staff, including Trudi Breuss, Ken Keating and Building Manager Raymond Henry.

Praise

Thanking them, Billy added: “My special thanks to Anthony Bull, Head of Bioengineering, and Capital Projects Programme Manager Bruna (Santandrea) for delivering a persuasive tour for the awards jury, who were clearly won over.”

Anthony Bull said: “Sir Michael’s vision has been realised by the design and completion of this wonderful building that facilitates interdisciplinary working, is being realised by the new projects that have been stimulated by the co-location of engineers and medics and will be realised through our translational drive for societal benefit. It is a fantastic place to work."

Neil Alford, Professor of Materials, said: “Not only is it a stunning, iconic building, it’s also a fantastic place to work (with amazing views).  I am delighted that the team that worked so well together have won this prestigious award. They deserve it!"

You can read about the RIBA award on the RIBA website.