Specialist Laboratory Design for a Landmark Research Institute
BMJ Architects played a key role in the development of the Francis Crick Institute, one of the UK’s most significant biomedical research facilities.
Establishing the Foundations
Before the current site was secured, BMJ acted as Lead Designer on two feasibility studies for the evolving project, exploring potential locations in central London and at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research at Mill Hill.
BMJ then developed the business case feasibility package for the current site adjacent to St Pancras station. Following site confirmation, BMJ acted as Lead Designer for RIBA Stages A and B, developing the concept design and Employer’s Requirements for what was then known as the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation.
Concept and Strategy
The concept design required close collaboration with a large and complex stakeholder group. Given the specialist nature of the research, BMJ also liaised with equipment suppliers from the earliest stages to ensure technical requirements were understood and incorporated.
The scale and massing of the project required early engagement with planning authorities, right of light consultants and the surrounding local community. 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 space supported by full interstitial service distribution floors above each laboratory level, allowing the building to support changing scientific requirements over time.
