Shanghai, China – Broadway Malyan has been appointed to design a new building for the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC). 

The UNNC Innovation Incubator is located on a key urban edge of the campus and city wetland park. The simple, elegant design of the building follows the curve of this edge, presenting a new face to the campus internally and externally. A significant new body of public realm will integrate the building with the city park and help generate a unique sense of place around existing buildings.

The design includes high specification spaces dedicated to research and technology, as well as more traditional learning and business school environments. The layered facility will also include live/work spaces and a range of complementary uses such as a restaurant, café, bar, roof garden and social areas, for students and visiting businesses to meet and relax. 

Harry Hoodless, Director at Broadway Malyan, said: “The UNNC Innovation Incubator will set a new benchmark for infrastructure of this type in China. Providing not only a new face for the campus, but a valuable asset to the wider business community. 

“Our project bridges the boundary between social, collaborative innovation space, and high quality private research and development space for business. In a blend of contemporary office and living space, students and young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to develop ideas in a live business environment, supported by the University. Demonstration and exhibition space provides external investors an opportunity to explore and collaborate on potential ventures that will in turn support the wider economy,” added Harry.

As part of its 10-year anniversary celebrations UNNC outlined a number of objectives as part of a strategic 2020 vision to improve its offer to students, including improving the quality of facilities, strengthening the investment in research and becoming a more sustainable part of the community.