Birkbeck ToddlerLab

Birkbeck, University of London, sought to create a pioneering research facility—the ToddlerLab—dedicated to studying early childhood development. The challenge involved transforming the lower-ground floor of a Listed university building, originally designed for different purposes, into a highly specialised environment. The space needed to accommodate sensitive neuroscience equipment, toddler-friendly labs, and observation rooms, all within tight spatial and operational constraints.

G&T provided Cost Management and Project Management services throughout the project. Collaborating closely with the university and design team, we navigated the technical and logistical complexities of retrofitting the basement area. The team coordinated the intricate build requirements, ensuring seamless integration of state-of-the-art facilities such as EEG monitoring, motion capture systems, and interactive lab environments. We also ensured that acoustic and mechanical and electrical (M&E) performance met the rigorous needs of both researchers and young participants, all while respecting the heritage constraints of the building.

The result is a world-class facility that enables researchers to gain deeper insights into the developing brain, supporting Birkbeck’s reputation as a global leader in psychological and neuroscientific research. G&T’s proactive management and technical expertise helped deliver the project on time and within budget, ensuring that every element of the space was fit for purpose, safe for toddlers, and conducive to groundbreaking scientific work.