Hawkins\Brown - New Biochemistry Department, University of Oxford

Saturday, 13 March 2010 10:07

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The Biochemistry Department at Oxford University is the largest in the UK and internationally renowned for research work in DNA, cell growth and immunity. The building achieves a new ethos of “interdisciplinary working” where the exchange of ideas is promoted in a large collective and connective environment. At the same time researchers have the space to concentrate on intense work in highly serviced laboratories.

The new building designed by Hawkins\Brown deliberately challenges public perceptions of the secretive nature of research. Elevations are transparent with research spaces brought to the external face, making a political point about the value and integrity of biomedical research.

The facades are enriched by a series of laminated glass fins which frame views in and out of the building, creating complex patterns of colour as the light changes. The fins reflect the rich red, terracotta, orange, brown and purple of the surrounding buildings.
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The interior spaces revolve round a 400 sqm informal atrium criss-crossed by dramatic sculptural staircases that encourage chance encounters between researchers. Informal meeting areas are dispersed across this central space, linking open plan “write-up” areas.

The art and architecture programme, Salt Bridges, has brought artists in direct collaboration with researchers within the department to produce site-specific works exploring the dynamic interaction between artistic practice and scientific research to compliment the architecture.

Success of the building’s impact can be marked in different ways; there is evidence to link the placing of the new building on the Biochemistry website to a 50% increase in applicants wanting to study Biochemistry at Oxford.
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