Enabling the Future of Neuroscience Research
BMJ Architects led the transformation of the Courtauld Building for University College London, creating a new home for the Medical Research Council’s Prion Unit within a historic scientific building in the heart of London. The project was driven by a clear ambition to provide specialist research environments capable of supporting some of the UK’s most important neuroscience research while bringing a long-vacant laboratory building back into active use.
Revitalising for a New Era
Originally constructed in 1926 as a purpose-built laboratory, the Courtauld Building has a long history of supporting scientific discovery. BMJ’s challenge was to adapt the existing structure to meet the demands of contemporary research while respecting the character and constraints of the building. Working within the retained fabric allowed the project to preserve an important part of London’s scientific heritage while creating a facility designed around modern research needs.
Concept and Strategy
At the heart of the development are specialist containment laboratories and imaging facilities supporting the work of the MRC Prion Unit. The project includes CL2 and CL3 laboratory environments together with associated research and support spaces. Careful coordination of laboratory planning, containment requirements and building services was essential to create safe, efficient and resilient environments capable of supporting highly specialised scientific workflows.
Alongside the technical accommodation, the design creates a more connected environment for research teams. Improved collaboration and research spaces support interaction, knowledge sharing and multidisciplinary working, helping researchers move between focused investigation and collaborative activity. Delivering these facilities within a constrained city-centre site required a carefully considered design response that balanced operational performance with the practicalities of working within an existing building.
The project demonstrates the value of adapting existing scientific infrastructure for future generations of research. Through the sensitive refurbishment and modernisation of the Courtauld Building, BMJ has created a flexible and future-ready research environment that supports advanced neuroscience research while extending the life of a significant laboratory building for decades to come.
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