FACT FILE
Architect:
aLL Design
Structural engineer:
AKT ll
Main contractor:
Total Construction
Client: Queen Mary
University of London
NSC
October 19
Neuron Pod,
London
Known as the Neuron Pod, this
steel-framed structure was
designed for the client as a multifunctional
space for events and as
an educational zone. Accessed via a bridge
from an existing building on the University
campus, this standalone structure has also
been described as an art installation.
Created from weathering steel, the
Pod consists of an external structural skin
stiffened by internal steel ribs. These internal
ribs run in both directions to provide
stiffness and rigidity to the structural skin.
Inspired by a zeppelin shape, both in plan
and elevations, it is supported by three legs.
The overall shape presents a curved
surface, resembling the central part of a
neuron, while the dendrites are shaped in
the form of numerous spikes scattered along
the external surface of the Pod.
Constructed using a process similar
to the construction of a ship’s hull, the
structure has been designed and engineered
by AKT II as an 8mm developable external
plate, welded on an internal series of vertical
and longitudinal steel ribs.
“This system was optimised in the
design to minimise plate thickness and
maximise the spacing of the internal ribs,
which reduced the fabrication time,” said
Queen Mary University of London Head of
Operations Akmol Hussain.
The Pod has been created with
weathering steel members, as its natural
patina negates the requirement for
additional paint coatings.
“Similarly, the galvanized steel
connecting bridge structure does not have
any additional paint coatings,” adds Mr
Hussain.
According to project engineer
AKT II, the materials used provide a
lasting durability to the structure, while
retaining the aesthetic quality the architect
envisioned. The structure makes effective
use of land and is designed to bear load
onto the structure of the basement below
– thereby not requiring any additional
substructure materials, which minimised
the impact.
The project was designed, analysed and
produced using a bespoke workflow to
produce a full set of construction drawings
designed to achieve high levels of precision
in the final fabricated form.
The judges say, this latest addition to
the Queen Mary University of London Cell
Education Centre, surprises in its animal
form, is fun and colourful. These qualities
meet the brief of inspiring and hopefully
attracting future scientists.
This contemporary work of
craftsmanship in weathering steel succeeds
in striking a whimsical note with serious
scientific educational intent.
28
SSDA 2019 C O M M E N D A T I O N
Linked by a bridge to an existing building at Queen Mary
University of London’s Whitechapel campus, an unusual steelframed
structure provides a multi-functional space for live science
shows, workshops, films and exhibitions.
All images on this page © Jonathan Cole
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/Weathering_steel
/Welding
/Steel_construction_products#Flat_products_-_plates
/Fabrication
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/The_case_for_steel#Long-life_durability
/Construction