Institute of Cell and Molecular Science,
Queen Mary University of London
London
Alsop Design / AMEC
Colorful exhibit pods hang above vast research floor
Queen Mary University of London’s new Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, also known as the Blizard Building, brings together 400 scientists in a large open-plan research floor, the first time this has happened in a British university. This space symbolizes the possibilities for improved communication and cross-fertilization of ideas. In addition, the building contains meeting rooms and small seminar spaces, as well as a public science exhibit, “The Centre of the Cell,” which is housed in a series of brightly colored, organically shaped pods suspended above the vast laboratory floor.
The Blizard Building, extending over a total area of 96,875 square feet, takes the form of two distinct structures on either side of an open mews and linked by a glass bridge at the first floor level. The larger structure is a three-story glass pavilion. Its transparent skin, which incorporates artwork panels inspired by Bruce McLean, reveals and communicates the function of activities inside the building. Directly opposite this glass pavilion sits a long, narrow rectangular structure named the “Wall of Plant,” because it houses all of the sophisticated mechanical and electrical services required for the research facilities.
Visitors to the medical school arrive at the main entrance in the Wall of Plant and travel across the link bridge, entering into the glass pavilion’s interior. From here, they have a dramatic view of four “pods” suspended above the open laboratory floor below. These pods provide an innovative and animated means of accommodating the client’s desire for public exhibit space. The Centre of the Cell, which appears as a giant orange molecule and is the largest of the pods, encompasses 2,100 square feet on two levels. An open-topped Mushroom pod, which links directly to the pedestrian bridge, acts as an entry foyer and gives visitors their first awesome views across the space. Located at the southern end of the pavilion, the Cloud pod—clad in white tensile fabric stretched over an ellipsoid form—and Spikey pod—a dramatic star-like structure with a complex geometrical tensile form—provide meeting rooms for seminars of up to 30 people.
In order to achieve the vast floor area required to accommodate the scientists in one open research lab, the architects located this space on a floor 20 feet below street level. The lab runs across the site directly below the mews and the glazed pavilion; skylights flood it with natural light. A vibrant color palette also helps energize the entire building. A deep green pervades the interior of the lecture theater, highlighted by bright red auditorium seats. Elsewhere, pinks and purples offset the pedestrian bridge, while bold orange walls enliven the main entrance and deep red carpeting runs throughout the glass pavilion.
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Formal name of Project:
Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Queen Mary University of London
Location:
London
Gross square footage:
96,875 sq. ft.
Total project cost:
$82.9 million
Owner:
Queen Mary University of London
 |
| Will Alsop |
Architect:
Alsop Design Ltd.
41 Parkgate Rd.
London, SW11 4NP
44-207-978-7878 tel.
www.alsoparchitects.com
AMEC
65 Carter Lane
London, EC4V 5HF
44-207-634-0000 tel.
www.amec.com
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