Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute in Oxford, United Kingdom

May 05, 2011 Category: Education, Public Buildings

Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute that located in Oxford, United Kingdom, was designed by Make. The new 7,000-sq-m building creates a backdrop to the historic Dunn School and forms one wing of an existing cluster of interconnected buildings. Retaining its physical links with these buildings, OMPI has its main entrance at the point where the buildings intersect and is centred around a communal café space. This has simplified circulation across the site, and encouraged cross fertilisation of ideas between research groups.

On entry, an open staircase forms a focal point to the interior and rationalises the circulation. Bathed in natural light, the staircase is lined with timber, referencing the materials used in the existing buildings. The efficient linear plan has informed the detailing of every aspect of the lab spaces and the open plan primary laboratories have been designed to facilitate interaction and communication between research groups. The facade has been designed to respect the William-and-Mary style architecture of the Dunn School, linking the strong cornice and plinth lines and referencing the details and window proportions.

Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute design by Make