Centrally located in London, the Francis Crick Institute has been designed as a world-class, interdisciplinary medical research institute, which is being developed in a partnership between UK-based Medical Research Council; Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust; and three of its leading universities: UCL; Imperial College London and King’s College London.
Combining specialist knowledge, expertise and resources from each of these organisations to encourage groundbreaking research, the institute will tackle major scientific problems and generate solutions for the emerging health challenges of the 21st century.
Encouraging collaboration and innovation, the interior of the building features formal research areas with a mix of informal break-out areas, which are designed to draw together people from different organisations. It also features an auditorium, exhibition area, and teaching lab, which are located adjacent to the main entrance.
Complementing the new institute and the historic buildings in the local area, the institute features an elegant exterior. Its masonry and vaulted roof recall features of the adjacent St. Pancras International station. Maintaining natural light in work and public areas, the large cantilevered bay windows along with the tall glass atria reduces the impact of the building at street level.
The main eastern entrance is situated opposite St Pancras International, facing a new public square on Midland Road. At the western side of the building, a public garden framed by trees and benches will be created.
The Francis Crick Institute is scheduled to open in 2015.
