Oxford University Life and Mind Building Opens, a New Landmark in Efficient, Sustainable Architecture
NBBJ is proud to announce the opening of the Life and Mind Building at the University of Oxford—a transformative new gateway for research, teaching and public engagement in the biological and psychological sciences.
Delivered by Oxford University Development—a joint venture between Oxford University and Legal & General—and constructed by Wates, the 269,000 sq ft facility is one of the largest projects ever undertaken by the University. It sets a new benchmark for low-carbon, sustainable design in high-performance research environments, achieving an EPC rating of A. The highly efficient design also brings together the Departments of Biology and Experimental Psychology for the first time, using 21% less space to accommodate 23% more occupants than the previous facilities through shared research facilities, flexible teaching spaces and a variety of work and study environments.
The building’s stone facade features a sculpted brainwave relief—a literal imprint of thought captured during the design process. The pattern, derived from the brainwave of Oxford researcher Dr. Sage Boettcher as she contemplated the building’s future, represents two seconds of cognition transformed into architectural form. Both poetic and scientific, it symbolizes the connection between “life and mind.”
“It was a rewarding challenge to design a building that balances scientific precision with human experience in such a key location for Oxford,” says Ingo Braun, Design Principal at NBBJ. “We set out to create an open, flexible, light-filled environment that fosters collaboration, well-being and discovery—and it’s exciting to see that vision come to life.”
Learn more in stories by Oxford Mail and Yahoo! News.
