Turner & Townsend on £35m stem cell research centre

Turner & Townsend is planning supervisor on a new £35m hi-tech research centre.

The University of Edinburgh's Centre for Regenerative Medicine has been designed in the form of a cell by architect Sheppard Robson.

"The project will translate the attributes of stem cells and its ability to transform into a variety of other tissue cells. The nucleus of the scheme, the proposed central support area, acts as the stem cell which via a series of connecting bridges (the 'arteries') converts into the functional laboratory buildings ('tissue')," the firm said.

The centre, located on the Royal Infirmary/University's Little France campus, will attract scientists from around the world and aims to develop new approaches towards prevention and treatment of debilitating diseases through stem cell research.

The centre's wings consist of laboratory space and testing area, stem cell research area and commercial laboratory space.

The buildings also house meeting areas, a library and a café, near to the central water feature.

The design team includes structural and service engineers Buro Happold and landscape architects Ian White Associates.