One of the World’s Largest Diagnostic Laboratories
BMJ Architects designed the £90m Laboratory Medicine Facility at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, one of the largest diagnostic laboratories in the world.
Modern Solutions for a Healthier Tomorrow
The facility processes the majority of NHS laboratory practices for Greater Glasgow & Clyde and houses key components of Blood Sciences, Genetics, Pathology and Microbiology. It also includes a robotic NHS national distribution centre and one of the largest mortuary facilities in Europe.
Covering more than 28,000 sqm, the building is critically planned around the needs of end users and diagnostic sample processing. It accommodates more than 800 scientists, clinicians and consultants, and is capable of processing and screening over 12.5 million blood samples a year in one area of the building alone.
The building was designed in close collaboration with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow City Council, Strathclyde Police and Architecture & Design Scotland.
Concept and Strategy
The office pod features a striking curved form with a green copper exterior and vertical glass panels. The glazing creates a sense of transparency, softening the highly technical and private nature of the building while giving it a bold civic presence.
The building incorporates specialist facilities alongside sustainable design measures, including an exposed cast concrete superstructure that absorbs warmth during the day and helps regulate internal temperatures at night. Robotic systems move goods and clinical stores from the national distribution centre to the new hospital through underground tunnels.
The project achieved BREEAM Excellent and won a GIA Healthcare Design Award.
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