Francis Crick Institute

BMJ’s involvement began before the current site was secured, with the practice acting as Lead Designer on two feasibility studies that explored potential locations in central London and at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research at Mill Hill. These early studies helped test the scale, technical requirements and strategic opportunities for a landmark research institute capable of supporting world-class biomedical science.

Following confirmation of the site adjacent to St Pancras station, BMJ developed the business case feasibility package and acted as Lead Designer for RIBA Stages A and B. This work shaped the concept design and Employer’s Requirements for what was then known as the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, establishing the framework for a highly complex research building in a dense urban setting.

The concept design required close collaboration with a large and technically demanding stakeholder group. BMJ worked with research users, project partners and equipment suppliers from the earliest stages to understand scientific workflows, servicing strategies and the specialist infrastructure needed to support future laboratory change. 

BMJ continued its involvement through RIBA Stages C to E as Lead Designer for 10,000 sqm of specialist laboratories. Developed jointly with Arup and HOK, the laboratory design provides flexible research environments supported by full interstitial service distribution floors above each laboratory level, allowing scientific spaces to adapt as research methods, equipment and technologies evolve. 

The project demonstrates BMJ’s ability to contribute specialist laboratory planning at the earliest and most strategic stages of major science infrastructure. By combining feasibility thinking, stakeholder engagement and technical laboratory expertise, BMJ helped establish the foundations for a research environment designed to support collaboration, flexibility and long-term scientific discovery.