Cranfield University’s Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) (www.cranfield.ac.uk), which is helping to change the future design of aircraft, has received its second award in as many months.

Designed by Nottingham-based CPMG Architects, it won the Best Large Commercial Building category at the LABC East Awards.

Opened in October 2017, the AIRC is intended to boost the UK’s aerospace research capabilities and cement the university’s reputation as Europe’s leading aerospace research institution.

Researchers from the university and its business partners, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce, work under one roof.

The centre is currently researching ways of integrating advanced technologies to reduce the time from academic innovation to industrial application.

It is equipped with the latest aerospace research technology, including: air traffic management and unmanned aerial vehicle laboratories; flight simulators; a virtual wind tunnel; a Fanuc robot in the intelligent automation centre; and a 1,500m² work area that currently houses a full-size Airbus wing.