Life and Mind Building, University of Oxford

The University of Oxford have commissioned a key gateway building to its Science Quarter. The public realm connects a globally important research facility with the surrounding cityscape, parks and communities.

People are invited into the scheme via a new plaza, which connects the ground floor with the lower levels using a series of attractive, planted terraces. This allows students and staff access to the building and social areas, and allows access for the local community to use the space.

The lower level ‘Scoop’ allows the building to link to the wider science quarter and University Parks, bringing nature to the front entrance.

The Scoop creates an opportunity for all to enjoy the space, allowing informal and formal use. The amphitheatre provides a space to socialise, have lunch or for informal teaching, whilst providing a ‘shop window’ to showcase the work that takes place within the building. It is richly planted, encouraging pollinators and invertebrates and allowing opportunities for contact with nature for the users of the building and the community beyond.

Two roof terraces allow areas for building users to relax outside and take in views across the city. They create spaces that can be used for informal meetings, for socialising or just escaping the building.