Cancer Research Building Old Road Campus
Design statement October 2005
Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Design summary 01
Contents 02
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Site and building form The Old Road area Masterplan proposals Existing site Building mass Transport and circulation Building envelope Graded facade Principal colours Secondary colours Colour pattern Facade components Typical elevation Typical detail Elevations Accommodation The street General planning Landscape and roofscape Landscaping Roofscape In detail Access for all Lighting
Appendix Drawing submission
Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
The Old Road Campus Cancer Research Building is proposed as a new state of the art research facility for the University of Oxford. It replaces two existing 1960s buildings on the site and will form a new gateway to the campus. The building consists of three principal storeys with a partial basement taking up the gentle slope of the site. It is arranged as three interconnected wings with a ‘street’ and ‘courtyard’ space between. It’s form is expressed externally as a series of overlapping blocks and will echo the mass and scale established by the adjacent Richard Doll and Henry Wellcome buildings. The four stories of accommodation are designed as flexible laboratory/office space with communal facilities located around the street and courtyard. Plant is distributed on expressed wings on the roof which extend down the west elevation to accommodate floor by floor plant requirements. Further plant is located in the basement. The facade consists of an aluminium and glass cladding system with external shading, and has been designed to harmonise with the mature planting that embraces three sides of the campus. The colours of individual panels have been selected from the greens and greys present in the adjacent vegetation, with tones graded across the facade to break down the
Design summary
Site area (approx) 7,574sqm 81,525sqft
Heights 3 storeys and partial basement
Occupancy 450 people
Building area (approx total gross) 13,772sqm 148,241sqft
Storey heights 4.200m floor to floor generally
Use Office and Laboratory
mass of the building. As well as blending with its surroundings, the facade responds to the orientation of the building and the composition and use of internal spaces by appearing more opaque on its western elevation and gradually becoming more transparent and open at the north-east entrance to the building. Low hedging is provided against the building along the south and east sides to create a soft yet transparent edge to the site. Towards the south west corner of the site the hedging is accompanied by new trees which continue the green link recently planted to the south of the Richard Doll building. The other areas around the building are hard landscaped and incorporate a combination of secure, covered and open bicycle racks and loading bay. We are currently designing the building to meet the anticipated new building regulations relating to energy consumption, which seek to achieve a 28% reduction in carbon emissions when compared to an equivalent building under current legislation. The building and its associated landscaping have been designed in accordance with current disability access legislation.
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Site and building form
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Radcliffe Infirmary “Down in Oxford the air’s like stale beer; up in Headington it’s pure champagne” .
The Old Road area
The Old Road Campus is part of the University of Oxford and is home to many prestigious departments of the University, the NHS and supportive charitable organisations. The Division of Public Health and Primary Health Care, the Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine, Oxford City Primary Care Trust, Post Graduate Medical and Dental Education, departments within the Nuffield Department of Medicine, and many others work alongside each other on the campus which is centrally managed by the University of Oxford. The Churchill Hospital, together with the
City centre
Ring Road
Headington Oxford Brookes Site Warneford Hosptial
•
Churchill Hospital
Richard Doll Building
nearby John Radcliffe Hospital, is a major centre for healthcare research, housing departments of Oxford University Clinical School and Oxford Brookes University’s School of Healthcare Studies. It is anticipated that the campus will continue to provide space for Medical Sciences, to meet an academic strategy of growth over the coming years. Original campus buildings
Henry Wellcome Building
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
long section
In order to meet these needs, an initial masterplan was developed, in consultation with the local planning authority. This masterplan continues the scale and density established by the recently completed Richard Doll and Henry Wellcome buildings. The proposed Cancer Research Building sits in the south east corner of this masterplan and develops the principles of massing and scale laid out by the masterplan.
Masterplan proposals Old
Roa
d
Henry Wellcome
Richard Doll
Site Roo
sev elt
Driv e
Mileway Gardens
Richard Doll
Site Parapet +106.65
Parapet +109.00 Proposed building
Existing site
West of the site is the Richard Doll building, which consists of 2 floors of office/lab space, plus ground. The Doll building has defined a streetscape along Roosevelt drive which will be continued by the Cancer Research Building. The south of the site is bordered by the Churchill Hospital, and the west of the site by Mileway Gardens. There are currently two buildings on site; a light weight two-storey 1970s building linked by a covered walkway to a one-storey block located further down the hill. The two-storey block is partly sunk in to the ground.
Existing buildings to be demolished
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Carved slot to define main entrance
Old
Roa
d
Henry Wellcome Richard Doll
Roo
sev elt
Mileway Gardens
Driv e
Linked floorplates with variable sized widths for flexibility Carving from within to form courtyard space, bringing light and views into the space
Maximising the footprint
Building mass The proposed building is comprised of 3 wings that are linked front and back. Each wing is 7 bays by 3 bays, with each bay measuring 6.6m by 6.6m. Two light wells (6.6 m and 8.25m wide) separate the wings. It is split over 3 floors with a basement and plant located on the roof.
The building mass has been carved out to create two atria spaces and two entrances, and to express the buildings wings. In addition the corners have been curved to soften the overall form. Three vertical ribs of plant then serve to anchor the soft overlapping horizontal elements to the ground.
Building volume determind by site
Lightwells allow light into plan creating three wings of three 6.6m bays
Secondary entrance defined by recess in rear facade
Slot removed to define entrance
Modulation of elevation by expressing plant room area of each wing
Modulation of elevation by expressing the first wing
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
•• • •
B
•
B
B
• • Entrance
Pedestrians
B
Cycles
Bike Parking
P
P
P D
• D
• •• D Cars
P Parking D Disabled
Deliveries
• Deliveries
As part of the development the transport strategy (see accompanying transport statement), we will provide the opportunity to manage trips within and beyond the campus through the use of a dedicated travel plan. This plan will promote travel to the site by sustainable means, and will look at possible improvements to pedestrian, cycle and public transport access and linkages. The Old Road Campus site will fit within the current context of the University Travel Plan. Pedestrian movement on-site will be improved by new footways while the building itself will allow a freeflowing east-west movement through its atrium (the street) in order to link the building with the rest of the campus site.
Cycling on-site will be improved by the the provision of new parking facilities for cyclists to be provided at the north and west of the building.
Transport and circulation
A revised one-way circulatory system is being considered for vehicles servicing the building from the dedicated service area. A service strategy for the management of deliveries will be considered, with the aim of improving both the servicing bays and pedestrian movement in this area Car parking is currently managed through a parking permit system and this provides a good basis from which to manage travel choices. Some new parking, including additional disabled bays, will be provided along the eastern edge of the building, with the remaining parking provided as existing to the north of the site. The diagrams opposite illustrate this strategy.
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Building envelope
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Graded facade The distinctive character of the mature soft landscaping surrounding the campus provides the key inspiration for the building’s facade design. By creatively drawing on this surrounding environment we aim to create a softer building which harmonises and integrates with its surroundings.
Open (North)
Shade (South)
Entrance
Street
The composition of the facade expresses three key elements of the building: orientation, entrance and internal function. This results in a facade which appears opaque along the western elevation, with the colour slowly melting away across the south and eastern facades until it becomes almost entirely transparent at the northeastern corner. This ensures that the building is more solid and shaded to the south, open and light towards the north, corresponding to the different conditions of the sheltered laboratory environment and the more open office environment. It also serves to draw the eye around the building, leading attention to the transparent and welcoming main entrance and away from the busy campus entrance.
Core
West
Lab
Lab
Office
South
Office
Laboratory
Office
East
Entrance
Office
North
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Principal colours 5
1 3
2
4
1
3 2
5
Drawing further upon the landscaping theme, a colour palette for the facade has been developed from colours in the vegetation present on the site. This range of green tones will ensure that the building reads as cool and fresh against the summer vegetation, while appearing vibrant, warm and welcoming in the winter.
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Secondary colours
In addition to the greens, an accent colour of crimson has been identified, as this is present in both summer and winter foliage. On the exterior this is used to highlight the two entrances of the building. It is intended that this accent is continued through the interior to create a unifying element across the building.
The vegetation during the autumn and winter months comprises a warm palette of colours. This colour palette is proposed for use in the interior of the building. This not only extends the landscape reference but will provide an interior which is warm and inviting with a focus on lively interaction, thereby avoiding the institutional and clinical feel often associated with laboratories.
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
The distribution of the selected colours has combined the graded concept of the facade with the distribution of hue and tone found in the adjacent planting.
Colour pattern
This creates a colour scheme which is derived from its surroundings while breaking down the visual mass of the building. This is identical to disruptive pattern techniques used in nature and camouflage design.
Photograph
Pixelated
Elevation
South
East
During the next stage of the design it is proposed to appoint a specialist colour artist to work with the design team on the colouring of the facade. This would create a piece of public art that is truly integrated into the building whilst continuing to enhance the facade design. A disruptive pattern used on ships to confuse viewers and disguise the ships form. This was based on studies of patterns found in nature, in particular that of the zebra.
North
West
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Facade components The final layer of detail is provided by use of a variety of shading devices. These include solid aluminium panels, perforated panels and louvres. This range of components will give the facade a physical depth, richness and texture whilst creating a more energy efficient building.
External louvres are proposed in the zones between desk and ceiling where a view is desired. Solar modelling software has been used to determine the most appropriate spacing, shape and size of these louvres.
Solid panel zone (With local air intake louvres) Sun shading louvre zone
Perforated panel zone
Perforated screens are proposed for those areas where shading is required but views out are not essential, ie: below desk height. These screens provide effective shading and prevent any internal clutter from creating a visual distraction on the facade. The following pages illustrate how all of the facade elements have been combined together to form the final facade proposals.
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Typical elevation
Typical detail Typical louvre
Typical perforated screen
Local bracket support
Glass-to-glass joint with concealed mechanical restraint
Dark grey horizontal capping
Double glazed unit
Unitised or Stick curtain wall system
Dark grey internal transoms
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Elevations East
North
South
West
03
Accommodation
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
The street
Street
Second Entrance Primary Entrance
Office zone
Flexible zone
Flexible zone
Lab zone
General planning
Lab zone
The interior of the building has been designed as a flexible shell, based upon a 6.6m grid. This helps the building to accommodate the changing needs of the university through its design life in an efficient and manageable way. A street and courtyard bring light into the plan whilst creating break out spaces for interaction between departments. The street also serves to link the main and secondary entrance and forms the social hub of the building. Offices and lab spaces overlook the street, offering views of this social space in much the same way that a traditional University college building overlooks the quad at its heart.
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Landscape and roofscape
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Waste collection Disabled Parking Bicycle parking
Delivery bay Principal entrance and drop-off
Landscaping An integrated palette of hard and soft landscaping is proposed to respond to the different functional needs of the site. A reconstituted green-grey stone is proposed for the entrance areas and the pedestrian routes. This includes the two entrances, drop-off and the pedestrian route to the west of the building.
The street Secondary entrance Pavement Secure bicycle parking Courtyard Maintenance route Pedestrian route
Low hedging New trees Boulevard
A contrasting Tarmac finish will be retained for the servicing, delivery areas and roads. This will help to clearly mark pedestrian and vehicle areas. A low hedge and ground cover is proposed to soften the edge along the two main roads. Eight new trees enhance this softening towards the south west corner of the site and will continue the tree line established by the planting to the south of the Richard Doll building. All planting species will be indigenous. Please refer to the Ecology section of the sustainability report for further information.
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Pebble finish
Paving slabs within the balustrade zone
Balustrade
Screened plant area Enclosed plant area Flues
Glazed rooflights
Service risers below
Roofscape The design of the roof has been considered in conjunction with the overall massing and facade of the building. The anchoring plant wings of the west elevation extend and fold over onto the roof forming enclosed roof plant space. Open but screened plant areas sit between these wings along with the glazed rooflights of the ‘street’ and ‘courtyard’. A handrail, set back from the edge of the building is provided to allow for good safe access to the roof generally. A combination of pebble and paving slab finishes are proposed to further distinguish between these areas. The building’s flues have been collated at each plant wing into stainless steel clad cylinders. As the plant space is unoccupied, these only need to protrude above the roof of the plant by approximately 300mm.
Service distribution track Flues
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
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In detail
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
Access for all The Design philosophy for the building is based on total accessibility for everyone. This includes not only any disabled member of staff but also any disabled visitor or member of the public who may be visiting the building. The term “disability” has been viewed in its broadest sense and includes impaired mobility, sight, comprehension or hearing. This approach addresses not only the short-term compliance with the intent of the Disability Discrimination Act together with the relevant planning policies but also the long-term implications of sustainability. The aim is therefore to provide an inclusive environment throughout. For this reason access issues have been, and will continue to be, considered throughout the design process to ensure a fully inclusive design. To planning stage this has resulted in the building being fully compliant with the statutory regulations and recommendations. Issues arising from the Disability Discrimination Act carry risks which need to be managed within a broad risk management strategy. Development of this strategy will continue throughout the design process. The criteria used for this assessment is consideration of the provisions required under: · Approved Document Part M of the Building Regulations (2004 Edition). · BS 8300:2001(Design of Buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people) · BS 5588:1999 Part 8 (Code of practice for means of escape for disabled people). · Department for Transport “Inclusive Mobility” 2002 (A Guide to Best Practice on Access to Pedestrian and Transport Infrastructure). · Consideration of Disability Discrimination Act issues.
Lighting The building will predominantly be occupied during normal working hours, however due to the building providing a research facility some out of hours work will inevitably take place. Polution from such lighting has been minimised where possible in the design of the building. The building location in the south east corner of the campus is the furthest most point from the residents in the west and to the north. The residents to the west are screened by the adjacent buildings whilst those to the north are over 130metres away, behind the treeline of the campus. There are no residents to the immediate south or east. Atrium spaces in buildings can be a cause for concern as they often have to be illuminated, should the building be occupied in any form. By locating the two atrium in the heart of the plan this risk of light pollution is minimised. The relative solidity of the facade including solid metal panels, perforated panels and louvres assist in minimising light pollution. The external lighting to circulation areas will be primarily by low level fittings on bollards or walls.
Appendix
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
This section contains reduced versions of the main submission drawings:
Drawing submission
Scale 1:1250 1:500 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:50
Drawing no A100 r01 A101 r01 A200 r01 A201 r01 A202 r01 A203 r01 A204 r01 A210 r01 A211 r01 A212 r01 A220 r01 A221 r01 A222 r01 A223 r01 A300 r00
Drawing title Site plan Site landscaping Plan basement Plan ground floor Plan first floor Plan second floor Plan roof Section short A Section short B Section long Elevation east Elevation south Elevation west Elevation north Facade detail
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005
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Design statement Cancer Research Building October 2005