University of Oxford, Life and Mind Building

Oxford, UK

Promoting research and discovery, the Life and Mind Building at the University of Oxford embodies the increasingly collaborative nature of modern science—bringing together the psychological and biological sciences to foster connection across departments and with the wider community. Open, light-filled spaces invite public engagement, while the adaptable design ensures that Oxford’s investment continues to advance innovation, learning and discovery for decades to come.

The Life and Mind Building’s stone facade features a sculpted brainwave—recorded from an Oxford researcher during the design process—turning two seconds of thought into a lasting symbol of discovery and the dialogue between life and mind.

As the University of Oxford's largest-ever construction project—and the UK’s largest laboratory designed to Passivhaus principles—the Life and Mind Building sets a new standard for efficiency and adaptability. Large parts of the project are designed to suit multiple laboratory types, allowing it to flex, adapt and reconfigure over time, creating long-term value for the University while advancing sustainable performance.

To lessen project costs and budget, the new Life and Mind Building uses 21% less space while accommodating 23% more occupants as compared to the previous building, achieved through shared research facilities, teaching spaces and a variety of work and study environments.

Features

Significantly contributing to the public realm, the building invites people in via a new plaza, allowing views into and across the ground floor. The plaza provides space for events and separates the large building into two smaller volumes in keeping with the local context.

The interior spaces offer flexible and specialist bio-science laboratories and research areas as well as office space, and a terraced office wing which optimizes access to views, light, and nature and is suitable for dry-labs and collaborative work. The flexible design frees the nearby plant science building, providing valuable swing space for future campus planning while allowing other parts of the site to be converted into public space.

Early massing studies helped shape the building’s form and orientation to bring as much natural light as possible into interior spaces—reducing reliance on artificial lighting and improving comfort for occupants. Designed to Passivhaus principles, the project targets a 55% reduction in energy use compared to the UK’s Building Regulations Part L, which set national standards for energy efficiency and the conservation of fuel and power in buildings.

Project Details

Client Name
University of Oxford

Square Meters
25,083 SM

Program

Laboratories and testing spaces, herbarium archives and research spaces, glasshouses, offices, teaching, conference, teaching laboratories, unallocated space for future expansion, study and social space, cafe, exhibition space, public plaza

Services
Architecture, interior design, lighting design

Phase
Construction

Sustainability

Targeting 40% carbon reduction against Part L and Passivhaus principles. Also targeting University of Oxford bespoke sustainability goals incorporating elements of BREEAM, Passivhaus and WELL.