The University of Bristol’s new purpose-designed Dental School has been officially opened by Bristol West MP and Shadow Culture Minister, Thangam Debbonaire.
Global multidisciplinary design practice, BDP, supported the University of Bristol with a feasibility study to identify a suitable new site for the school and designed the scheme, with contractor, Kier Construction, delivering it.
The £36m facility, which was previously based at Bristol Dental Hospital, has now moved to 1 Trinity Quay, a former office building in the heart of Bristol, enabling the university to increase student places by around 25%.
Sustainability was at the heart of the project as the university prioritised the re-use and retrofit of the existing building over a new-build scheme, reducing the upfront carbon impact of construction. Traditional, open-plan office space, with rows of workstations, have been transformed into a state-of-the-art teaching and training facility for use by the students, staff, and the community, who will have access to the free treatment services.
The design features a unique octagonal-shaped space, home to a series of dental treatment bays and teaching spaces, with views out onto the surrounding waterfront.
And parts of the school are open beyond normal working hours to provide the opportunity for extended time for learning and collaboration.
Meanwhile, specially-designed rooms for neurodivergent students offer a secluded, soundproofed space for quiet study.
The university is also encouraging green and active travel options to and from the building, including cycling, walking, and use of public transport, with accessible parking spaces onsite.
The £36m hospital will increase the number of students who can train by 25%
Around 50 basement car parking spaces have also been replaced with 200 secure cycle spaces for students and staff in the basement, with shower and changing facilities provided at first-floor level to promote more-sustainable transport options.
During the project many of the carpet and ceiling tiles and raised access floors were re-used as part of the design approach.
Akshay Khera, architecture director at BDP, said: “This significant project for the University of Bristol is now ready to welcome students, providing a state-of-the-art teaching space within an existing building.
“Not only is the sensitive reuse of an existing space beneficial from a sustainability perspective, but it also provides a unique design opportunity as we were able to draw on quirky features of interest while injecting a modern and fresh take.
“The redevelopment also introduces a new lease of life and vibrant university function to this prominent building, bringing activity to this important of part of the city centre throughout the day and evening.”
Architects and interior designers from BDP worked as part of a multidisciplinary team including building services engineers and structural and civil engineers appointed by the University of Bristol.
The design features a unique octagonal-shaped space, home to a series of dental treatment bays and teaching spaces, with views out onto the surrounding waterfront
