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 capitalising 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
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, synthesising their needs and opportunities into a convergence of form, function, and beauty.
Catherine Zeliotis, Principal
Imaginative clinical planning is inseparable from great building design. The free flow of ideas is exhilarating.
We’re better together
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