herzog & de meuron reveals plans for AstraZeneca’s cambridge headquarters
the zig-zag geometry of the roof canopy is continued vertically, structuring the facade and giving it its distinctive serrated character.
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swiss architecture firm herzog & de meuron has revealed plans for the flagship research and development center and corporate headquarters of biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca in cambridge, UK. the building will house functions that support the organization’s scientific work, including regulatory affairs and commercial units.
the zig-zag geometry of the canopy is continued vertically
image © herzog & de meuron (also main image)
to be built as part of the cambridge biomedical campus, the proposal features a two-storey disc that forms a continuous oval walkway along the structure’s perimeter. blocks of transparent laboratories are arranged around a centrally positioned public courtyard, which encompasses the three main entrances to the building. large trees and the green lawn in the center of the space establish a destination for recreation and informal and impromptu meetings.
blocks of transparent laboratories are arranged around a centrally positioned public courtyard
image © herzog & de meuron
internally, the design encourages visible science within a sharing and transparent creative atmosphere. laboratories are separated from work and circulation spaces by translucent partitions, fostering a workplace environment based on communication and collaboration. on the first and second floors, a ring area overlooks the courtyard below, while the structure’s sawtooth roof brings natural daylight the deep floor plates. the zig-zag geometry of the canopy is continued vertically, structuring the façade and giving it its distinctive serrated character.
on the first and second floors, a ring area overlooks the courtyard below
image © herzog & de meuron
the scheme is the first stage of a larger masterplan to be delivered in phases. subsequent development involves constructing a series of buildings on the south plot enclosing an elongated park. a consistent palette of materials will be used across the project unifying and connecting the ongoing project. subject to planning approval, AstraZeneca expects to begin the build of the new site in early 2015.
laboratories are separated from work and circulation spaces by translucent partitions
image © herzog & de meuron
an aerial view of the cambridge biomedical campus
image © herzog & de meuron
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