National Graphene Institute (NGI)
Manchester, UK · Opened 2015 · £61 million (NGI); £38 million from UK Government
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe NGI was established as a world-leading center for graphene and 2D materials research, aiming to accelerate scientific discovery and commercialization. - The design prioritizes a highly controlled environment to enable groundbreaking experiments and prevent material contamination. - The institute plays a crucial role in maintaining the UK's leadership in graphene research, building on the material's discovery at the University of Manchester. - The subsequent Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) further emphasizes the commitment to translating research into industrial applications.
Key engineering challenges
Designing and constructing ultra-high specification facilities, including extensive cleanrooms (Class 100 and 1000), to prevent contamination for sensitive graphene research. - Maintaining precise environmental controls, including temperature, humidity, and vibration isolation, essential for advanced materials research. - Integrating complex and specialized research equipment and infrastructure within the building's design. - Ensuring the building's structure and systems support the unique requirements for working with 2D materials. - Creating a collaborative research environment that also meets stringent safety and operational standards for advanced scientific work.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- The University of Manchester, UK Government
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- Jestico + Whiles (architects)
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 7,825 square metres (82,000 sq ft) facility; 1,500m² of class 100 and 1000 cleanrooms; 5-storey building.
- Disciplines
- Structural; civil; architectural; mechanical; electrical; cleanroom design; materials science engineering; process engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- Cleanroom standards (ISO 14644); UK Building Regulations; relevant scientific research facility guidelines
Sources: The University of Manchester: National Graphene Institute (https://www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk/ngi/) - Wikipedia: National Graphene Institute (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Graphene_Institute) - Jestico + Whiles: National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester (https://www.jesticowhiles.com/project/national-graphene-institute-2/) - Building.co.uk: National Graphene Institute, Manchester (https://www.building.co.uk/focus/national-graphene-institute-manchester-graphene-content/5068559.article)