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Li Ka Shing Centre, The Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute

A world class centre for pioneering cancer research

  • 14K

    Square Meters

  • 5

    Floors

  • 20

    Research Groups

  • United Kingdom

    United Kingdom

Promoting collaboration between researchers and clinicians for bench to bedside discoveries

Cancer Research UK formed a partnership with the University of Cambridge to create the Cambridge Institute. They brought together 20 diverse research groups and core facilities whilst capitalizing on the synergy of the Cambridge area. Their new home is the Li Ka Shing Centre—a flagship facility for enhanced translational research located on Addenbrooke’s medical campus.

The design supports multidisciplinary collaboration between research groups and clinicians. Four generous open lab spaces were conceived as studios and linked together by a series of meeting room and write-up areas. There is a rich public zone at ground level—including exhibition hall, dining area and lecture theatre—which creates a town square for the institute. These areas provide opportunities for scientists and clinicians to meet up informally and generate spontaneous discussions.

The architectural inspiration came from Corpus Christi College in the nearby historic quarter of University of Cambridge. The emotional tone is set in glass and gleaming brilliant concrete and an elegantly proportioned courtyard projects a sense of optimism and contemplation. This is a building which inspires discovery.

At a Glance

Offices
Meet Our Team

Collin Beers , Senior Principal. Architecture

I enjoy the range of activities in design. From developing strategy to the details of getting a renovation project done, I get energized by engaging with my clients.

Christina Cattelan, Senior Associate, Project Leader

A head teacher recently remarked, ‘I can’t believe it, this is wonderful, exactly what you presented to us all that time ago.’ Sometimes delight is derived from simply joining the dots.

David Martin, Vice President, Global Design Director, Buildings

My passion is engaging with our clients, synthesizing their needs and opportunities into a convergence of form, function, and beauty.
David Martin Vice President, Global Design Director, Buildings Read More

Catherine Zeliotis, Principal

Imaginative clinical planning is inseparable from great building design. The free flow of ideas is exhilarating.

Collin Beers

Senior Principal. Architecture

Christina Cattelan

Senior Associate, Project Leader

David Martin

Vice President, Global Design Director, Buildings

Catherine Zeliotis

Principal

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