The AHR Podcast

The AHR Podcast

The AHR Podcast explores the impact of architecture and building consultancy in shaping sustainable living, working and learning spaces. We cover everything from education, healthcare, residential, workplace and civic and community environments, spotlighting how we can promote people-centred, functional spaces that enhance wellbeing and create meaningful connections. Featuring conversations with architects, building surveyors and industry leaders, each episode focuses on key topics like decarbonisation, retrofit, Passivhaus, patient-centred design, urban regeneration and placemaking. Through real-world examples and professional insight, our discussions demonstrate how these approaches improve quality of life and create thriving, inclusive communities.

  1. How do we create life science environments that  support innovation, collaboration and  impact?

    Feb 27

    How do we create life science environments that support innovation, collaboration and impact?

    Hosted by AHR director Robert Hopkins, this episode of the AHR podcast explores the rapid growth of life science and health innovation spaces and how universities, NHS trusts, developers and civic partners are reshaping estates to support research, collaboration and economic growth. Joined by Deb Hetherington (Scarborough Group International), Gareth Scargill (University of Leeds) and Gurminder Sanghera (AHR), the conversation brings together perspectives from development, academia and architecture to examine what makes successful life science ecosystems. In this episode, we discuss how innovation hubs, research-led start-ups, university–industry collaboration and the triple helix model (academia, public sector and private enterprise) are driving regional growth. The group explores the importance of flexible laboratory design, adaptable office-lab environments, modular lab systems and agile estates strategies that can respond quickly to the pace of R&D and commercialisation. The discussion also looks at the role of retrofit and reuse, including heritage and existing buildings, in delivering sustainable, low-carbon life science spaces. Topics include ESG, energy-intensive labs, future-proof design, innovation campuses, health innovation districts and creating people-first environments that support collaboration, wellbeing and long-term value. Find out more about: Life science, innovation and workplace projects – www.ahr.co.uk Scarborough Group International – www.scarboroughgroup.co.uk University of Leeds Nexus – https://nexus.leeds.ac.uk Connect with us: Instagram – www.instagram.com/weareahr LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/ahr/

    31 min

About

The AHR Podcast explores the impact of architecture and building consultancy in shaping sustainable living, working and learning spaces. We cover everything from education, healthcare, residential, workplace and civic and community environments, spotlighting how we can promote people-centred, functional spaces that enhance wellbeing and create meaningful connections. Featuring conversations with architects, building surveyors and industry leaders, each episode focuses on key topics like decarbonisation, retrofit, Passivhaus, patient-centred design, urban regeneration and placemaking. Through real-world examples and professional insight, our discussions demonstrate how these approaches improve quality of life and create thriving, inclusive communities.