Located in the Biomedical Campus in Cambridge, the Astra Zeneca Research and Development Centre is the global headquarters for Astra Zeneca. The building has a total GIA of 56,000 sqm, and hosts laboratories and related write-up spaces, as well as meeting and auditorium spaces for large town hall gatherings.

The architectural concept envisions a singular volume, three-storey courtyard structure, composed of two main elements: glass blocks on street level, and a two-storey glass disc hovering above them.

The six glass blocks are grouped in three pairs and are simple rectangular forms that run vertically through all of the floors and 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 the geometry of the saw-tooth roof through the facade.

The disc encloses the laboratory boxes, hosts the write-up and office spaces, and, together with the lab blocks, defines the specific spatial organisation of the building. Through strategically placed north lights, the roof brings top light into the deep floor plates of the building, ensuring a light and open workspace.