This scheme brings together six different cancer research institutions and is located amongst further research establishments including a leading cancer hospital. The collaborative opportunities were a key factor in the building's design.The building is expressed as a single block with entrances, atrium and lightwells carved from its visually fluid form. This singular appearance helps to prevent the formation of departmental territories.

Internally the building is set out around two atria; the courtyard and the street. The street is a reinterpretation of the university quad and forms the heart of the building, accommodating a café and knowledge centre. The courtyard is a calmer, more contemplative space.Broken into three zones comprising laboratories, offices and a mixed zone, the configuration is deliberately flexible.

A universal 6.6m square grid underlies the design and allows scientists to select rooms from a range of standardised types. The facade responds to both the varying solar shading requirements and the split of laboratories and offices internally.

This is overlaid with a grading of colour which reflects the mature planting circling the campus.Significant time was saved on the programme by running the shell and core in parallel with the fit out. This unusual approach to laboratory procurement also allowed science requirements to be adjusted until the last minute. The entire process from appointment to completion lasted only 29 months.