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Research project wins major accolade

A joint research project between º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and a North-East architectural company has been judged one of the best in its field.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture has been rated Outstanding by Innovate UK, formerly known as the Technology Strategy Board. KTPs typically last for two years and are a collaboration between a University and a company. They are part-funded by Innovate UK to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills.

The partnership with Ryder Architecture saw KTP Associates Graham Kelly and Omar Tapponi investigate ways in which Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be implemented into facilities management.

They were supervised by Professor Nashwan Dawood and Dr Mohamad Kassem from º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Technology Futures Institute.

BIM is a concept that uses a combination of processes and technologies to develop a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a building.

It is the second KTP that Ryder has undertaken with º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and the research into BIM has helped establish the firm as a leading practitioner of BIM methodologies and helped attract clients from across the world. The first KTP was also led by Professor Dawood and also scored ‘Outstanding’ according to Innovate UK.

Ryder’s previous collaboration with º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has already led the company to form a new business, BIM Academy, an R&D, education and consultancy organisation to support other firms which want to implement BIM methodology in their work.

Peter Barker, Director at Ryder Architecture and Managing Director of BIM Academy, said: 'Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are a fantastic mechanism for businesses to tap into academic knowledge to research new areas of innovation which will ultimately lead to business growth and commercial success, as well as giving the academic partner access to practical industry experience.

'We’re delighted that our relationship with º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has yet again succeeded in winning this major accolade.'

º£½ÇÖ±²¥ has an excellent track record for its work with KTPs. Of the KTPs completed over the last five years, 90% have been awarded the top two grades, with 50% graded ‘Outstanding’. This compares with national averages of 55% achieving the top two grades and 12% graded Outstanding.

Professor Dawood said: 'We are delighted to have received this rating from Innovate UK.

'We have worked with Ryder Architecture for several years on different projects. “It is fantastic to see the partnership deliver real impact with the company growing and attracting new clients as a direct result.'

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