Design

The International Digital Laboratory (IDL) provides a high quality research and knowledge transfer open environment. The building, designed by Cullinan Studio, is set at right angles to the International Manufacturing Centre which was built in three phases (1992-2002); together they create a shared forecourt that leads into an academic court. The presentation facilities in the IDL comprise a 100-seater auditorium with state of the art presentation capabilities which provide an outstanding environment to explain complex digital technologies. A 6m x 2m screen can display up to 4 simultaneous moving HD images, backed up by a powerful 5.1 Dolby/DTS surround sound system for maximum impact. The room can be configured with a standard lectern for presentations or a panel table at the front of the room for discussion, with a built in video conferencing system to engage with remote partners. A broadcast standard recording system allows the archive of presentations for streaming on the Web and other media.

The building was awarded with the following building design awards:

• Coventry Design Awards - People's Choice Category Winner
• Coventry Design Awards - Sustainable Design Category Winner
• The Institute of Structural Engineers Awards - Public Sector Winner
• Built in Quality Awards - Commercial Category Winner

VIP Visits

Since it was opened in 2008 by the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the International Digital Lab has had many VIP visitors including:

• The Right Honorable Dr Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills
• Sir George Cox, Pro Chancellor of University of Warwick
• His Royal Highness The Duke of York
• Gregory Ballard, Mayor of Indianapolis, USA
• Senator The Honourable Kim Carr, the Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science
• The Right Honorable Ed Milliband MP, Leader of the Opposition

Digital Lab Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister opens new Digital Lab (July 2008)
• HRH The Duke of York visits WMG's Digital Lab (May 2009)
• International Digital Laboratory wins local design awards (December 2009)
• Pioneering 'Learning Lab' launched by Institute of Digital Healthcare (December 2012)