DEN, Manchester Metropolitan University
Digital Education Nexus / Anatomage Laboratory
Bowker Sadler was appointed by Manchester Metropolitan University to design a dedicated learning environment that would prepare thousands of healthcare and life science students for careers in an increasingly digital NHS. Backed by Office for Students funding, the brief was to create a space that combined advanced simulation technology, immersive theatre and AI-ready infrastructure, all housed within the John Dalton Building.
A key requirement was one of the largest suites of Anatomage tables in the country. These large-format digital tables allow students to perform virtual dissections using high-resolution 3D anatomical models, giving them a depth of clinical understanding that would be difficult to replicate through traditional teaching methods. Alongside this, the client needed an immersive theatre environment with three-wall projection, creating a fully enveloping clinical simulation space where students can interact with virtual scenarios as though they were operating in a real clinical setting.
The existing Computer Drop-in Suite, had been identified on the ground floor of the John Dalton Building as a space that could be adapted into the above facility, which was to become known as the Digital Education Nexus.
Bowker Sadler produced a series of Feasibility Plans identifying various options for the configuration of the space. The chosen option was developed further into detailed design and the existing space was stripped back of all fixtures, fittings, ceilings, floor and wall finishes in readiness to receive the new layout. The work was carried out in a ‘live environment’ and the programme dictated a very short time from inception to completion. The entire client team, consultant team and main contractor worked collaboratively to meet the exacting deadlines.
