Nestled in the centre of Manchester stands the new Alliance Business School. As part of a large-scale project to modernise its original 1970’s streets-in-the-sky design, three Isomi Mono reception desks and a bespoke podium were installed at the 37,000 sqm redevelopment undertaken by BDP.

As the design aged it became clear there was a pressing need to upgrade and modernise the facilities that were no longer fit for purpose, with the main drivers for the project being to ease the journey through the sprawling building and address issues of connectivity with the building’s city centre location.

Architects BDP said, “Our design for the new Alliance Business School at the University of Manchester remodels two conjoined buildings, reconnecting it with the city. The remodelling creates an uplifting and appropriately scaled entrance which was previously lacking."

The new entranceway opens into an expansive double height reception area, where a large configuration of the Mono desk with custom translucent branding creates a focal point for the space. The reception desk included a DDA module and was configured with a soft angle leading towards the main areas. Reinforced with overhead LED lighting mirroring the footprint of the desk, this creates a clear route through the building.

Across the courtyard are the newer Executive Business School and hotel tower. Continuing in the same design language used in the main building a smaller configuration of the Mono desk was selected for the Executive Business School reception desk.

BDP project director Gary Wilde says: “The transformation of the building not only rejuvenates the Oxford Road Corridor but provides the university with facilities to match its international reputation.”