The Francis Crick Institute
London, UK · Construction completed 2016; opened 2016 · £700 million (construction cost); £1 billion (funding from MRC, CRUK, Wellcome)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe institute was formed by bringing together scientists from multiple institutions, aiming to create a collaborative research environment. - The design emphasizes open-plan laboratories and shared spaces to encourage interdisciplinary interaction. - The project represents a significant investment in UK discovery science, aiming to address major health challenges. - The building's design and functionality are critical to its mission of facilitating translation of discovery science.
Key engineering challenges
Designing and constructing a world-leading biomedical research institute with highly specialized laboratories and equipment. - Integrating diverse scientific disciplines and fostering collaboration through architectural design. - Ensuring advanced environmental controls and safety measures for handling biological materials and sensitive research. - Managing the logistics of a large-scale construction project in central London. - Incorporating state-of-the-art scientific platforms and facilities to support cutting-edge research.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- The Francis Crick Institute (independent charity established by Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL, Imperial College London, King's College London)
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- HOK (architects); PLP Architecture (architects); Arup (MEP engineering, logistics consultancy, risk-assessment, facilities management consultancy, security systems design)
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 980,000 sq ft (93,000m²) facility; 12 laboratories; state-of-the-art equipment; advanced scientific platforms.
- Disciplines
- Structural; civil; architectural; mechanical; electrical; biomedical engineering; laboratory design; security systems design; logistics; risk management
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Building Regulations; laboratory safety standards; biomedical research facility guidelines; relevant British Standards
Sources: Ingenia: Francis Crick Institute, London (https://ingenia.org.uk/articles/francis-crick-institute-london/) - HOK: Scientists Begin Moving Into London's New Francis Crick Institute (https://www.hok.com/news/2016-09/scientists-begin-moving-into-londons-new-francis-crick-institute/) - Arup: Francis Crick Institute (https://www.arup.com/projects/francis-crick-institute/) - The Francis Crick Institute: About us (https://www.crick.ac.uk/about-us)