Biochemistry Center - Hawkins Brown

Oxford University’s science center was way behind the times. Although the center was equipped with state of the art technology and some of the brightest minds, its fragmented and independent research areas made any attempt at interaction between scientists impossible. Working off academic J Rogers Hollingsworth’s theory that when scientists can frequently converse and exchange ideas, major breakthroughs are bound to happen, Hawkins Brown’s new biochemistry building is a step in the right direction for Oxford.More about the new Biochemistry facility after the break.The new design rids the department of the unnecessary and unproductive separate buildings as it gathers all post-graduates of the research department in one structure. Although, due to the project’s size, the design will be realized in two parts, when the complex is complete it will serve around 800 lecturers, researchers and students in 12,000sq m.Although it is important to have one building unite the department, the building’s massive size was taking away any public outdoor space around the center. To combat this, Hawkins Brown cut a corner out of the plan to “clearly express the larger public function of this interim front entrance”.The building is centered around the atrium which is designated for the much needed social interaction among scientists. Semi-public write-up spaces and meeting rooms are formed around the atrium and the laboratories are arranged around the perimeter of the building.

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