Case Study: XR Lab by WindsorPatania Architects.

XR Lab: a futuristic new education facility where the architecture skilfully reflects the high-tech function of the building.

About XR Lab

Eastern Colleges Group approached WindsorPatania to design and deliver XR Lab (Extended Reality Lab) an innovative educational space comprising four areas: an immersion lab, a collaboration theatre, a Green Room, and a conference room. The project has the ambition of creating a state-of-the-art educational facility that incorporates AI (Artificial Intelligence), Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality technologies for next generation teaching and learning in the East of England.

The XR Lab is situated within Hangar 2, one of the five hangars in the 7200 m2 STEM complex. Originally serving as a workshop for engineering students of the college, the space underwent a remarkable transformation in 2021.

Before the retrofitting, the building featured an outdated light grey finish and a sizeable opening obstructed by a roller shutter. Thanks to extensive renovation efforts, the roller shutter has been replaced with a curtain wall, significantly improving natural light coming into the hangar.

In an effort to promote energy efficiency and reduce the use of construction materials, a pod-shaped design was selected over utilising the entire hangar space. The key advantage lies in confining thermal insulation to the size of the pod, designated as the primary thermal envelope. This approach eliminates the need to thermally insulate and regulate the temperature for the entire hangar, contributing to efficient energy management.

Constructed with a steel framework featuring integrated thermal and acoustic insulation, the XR Lab boasts an exterior coated in with high-spec polished plaster by Armourcoat, exuding an enigmatic sci-fi allure.

The distinctive aesthetic is heightened by a 3D triangular mesh, establishing a visual link with virtual environments. This results in a captivating and futuristic design that perfectly complements the state-of-the-art technology housed within the XR Lab.

The vicinity of the XR Lab features a versatile space, acting as a dynamic hub for students. Beyond its role as an exhibition gallery, it offers ample room for social interactions and serves as a breakout area.

The glass walls and open doors of the pod offer a glimpse into the activities inside, encouraging social engagement and collaboration.

XR Lab’s Lecture Theatre boasts an array of features including wall-to-wall screens, rear screens to virtually host external guests, a motion capture system, immersive sound, video, and 62 VR headsets on the side walls. This space also provides a “tables set-up” which promotes a culture of teamwork among students, encouraging real-life interactions amongst the high-tech facilities in the space.

The Brief

In the summer of 2023, I was appointed by WindsorPatania to lead PR outreach efforts for their most exciting project to date, XR Lab. Given the innovative nature of the project, I conducted outreach to a variety of target media outlets, with a key focus on publications across architecture, interior design, commercial property, technology, and education.

Outcomes

Following campaign efforts, XR Lab project has been published in both Print & Digital Media, and is due to be featured in Podcasts and Industry Events, in addition to being entered for design awards including the RIBA Awards.

Selected online articles:

FRAME, read article.

AR Insider, read article.

Architecture Magazine, read article.

Darc, read article.

Mix Interiors, read article.

BUILDINGS Magazine, read article.

I+S Design, read article.

Archiscene, read article.

Parametric Architecture, read article.

Amazing Architecture, read article.

Archello, read article.

Develop 3D, read article.

Archilovers, read article.

IoArch, read article.

D5 Magazine, read article.

Inavate, read article.

Architecture Magazine Interview: read article.

Education Design & Build, read article.

The campaign not only increased awareness of the project within the specified sectors but also worked towards SEO and search result performance. The project garnered interest from design journalists and the wider media landscape, sparking discussions about the future of education facility design while also providing a glimpse into a new era of learning and professional training.

In addition to the XR Lab project coverage, campaign efforts also generated exposure for WidnsorPatania as studio, and press interviews for its co-founders, Ryan Windsor and Giovanni Patania.

Project images by Mark Hadden, Copyright: WindsorPatania Architects.

Find out more about XR Lab by WindsorPatania