Construction on the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) facility, part of the new School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham, has completed.
Procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework, the new Centre of Excellence for Digital Systems will focus on specialist research into railway control and simulation, data integration, cybersecurity, condition sensing and monitoring technologies, as well as improved methods for technology introduction.
Our design for the building was to align with the rail industry, featuring Corten cladding to give the same visual impact as railway lines and track signalling. At 3000m2 , the facility has a range of design and research spaces, open offices, meeting rooms, seminar rooms and event spaces enabling industry partners to come and work directly with University experts and researchers. In addition, it is equipped with project labs, light labs and state-of-the-art equipment such as cab simulators, a signalling control centre and a cybersecurity test lab. The investment in the Centre of Excellence forms part of the university’s commitment to providing first-class engineering education. The development aims to improve student experience, allowing engineering undergraduate and postgraduate students to get involved in cutting-edge research and ensuring students graduate with a strong connection to the industry.
