UCL PEARL Research Facility

Purpose

• VolkerFitzpatrick was appointed by UCL to create the world-leading Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory (PEARL) in Dagenham. The facility enables research into accessibility and mobility in modern cities, using reconfigurable space where researchers can create life-sized simulated environments and study how people interact with their surroundings. PEARL was also developed to support UCL’s sustainability ambitions and is its first carbon-neutral facility in use.

What we are doing

• VolkerFitzpatrick delivered the £17 million, 100m-long specialist research facility, creating an entirely column-free experimental space that can be reconfigured for different research requirements. The building incorporates a portal steel frame with bespoke Kingspan and Corten cladding. The facility includes a 500-person retractable seating area, 2,500m² of storage space, mezzanine plant decks, a high-level specialist lighting gantry and a dedicated sound laboratory. Supporting facilities include reception and office space, a kitchen, workshop, and social and study areas.

Project Successes

• UCL PEARL Research Facility became the UK’s first fully fitted building to achieve BREEAM Outstanding under the New Construction 2018 guidance. VolkerFitzpatrick also delivered the facility safely, on time and to budget during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project exceeded local authority social value targets, with 41% of on-site labour sourced locally. Spare timber from the site was also recycled and crafted into benches for a neighbouring café. PEARL has since received significant industry recognition, including a RIBA London Award 2023, the Environmental Sustainability Prize at the New London Architecture Awards and the Net-Zero Award at the Building Awards.