The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) takes world-leading research and unites it with manufacturing to bridge the gap between university labs and the day-to-day needs of the production line.

Central to the AMRC is the Knowledge Transfer Centre (KTC) where innovative work and research can be shared with the rest of the manufacturing community and the wider world. In order to truly celebrate the AMRC’s findings, the conference centre required interior design that matched their excellence in innovation and sustainability. 

In collaboration with HANDS and Pure AV, our interior team completely overhauled the auditorium, relying on cutting-edge materials, technology and furniture to create a multifunctional and flexible space that encourages learning whilst showcasing the very best in design. 

We wanted to maximise the potential of the KTC, transforming it into a modern space where people loved to be. The conference centre was opened up to invite in sunlight and views across the AMRC, and a central, modern boardroom and breakout spaces were created for smaller gatherings. In the main auditorium, flexible seating and a large keynote screen enables the AMRC to connect seamlessly with their audiences nationally and internationally.

Environmental concerns factor into much of the AMRC’s work and this carried through to the design brief. When the existing site was stripped out, much of the material was recycled and new materials include a recycled tile floor, birch plywood supplied locally from Leeds and chairs made from pressed ground coffee beans.

The world class project was delivered locally to keep the carbon footprint to a minimum with a supply chain radius of 35 miles and a manufacturing radius of only four miles.