Project Description:

Located at the Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, the Astra Zeneca Research and Development Centre will be the new global headquarters for Astra Zeneca. The build has a total GIA of 56’000 m² and will host all of the laboratories and related write up spaces as well as meeting and auditorium space for large town hall gatherings. 

The architectural concept envisions a singular volume, three-storey courtyard structure, composed of two main elements; glass blocks, on the street level and a two storey glass disk hovering above them. The six glass blocks, grouped in three pairs are simple rectangular forms, which run vertically through all of the floors, house the laboratories. The glass disc has an oval shape which loosely follows the shape of the site, and is defined by a zig-zag line, continuing through the facade the geometry of the saw-tooth roof. The disc encloses the laboratory boxes, hosts the write up and office spaces, and, together with the lab blocks, defines the specific spatial organization of the building. Through Northlights the roof brings top light into the deep floor plates of the building ensure a light an open working environment

Key Challenges:

• Tunnel and Basement Design

• Complex Access for Maintenance Strategy

• Glass Box Science

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