View from Piazza

Concept design of AstraZeneca Global R&D centre and corporate HQ, Cambridge, UK – illustration of proposed design, subject to planning consent © Herzog & de Meuron

AstraZeneca discloses the design for their new flagship Global Research and Development (R&D) Centre and Corporate Headquarters as part of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Herzog & de Meuron propose a two-storey disc with a unique oval shape that creates a continuous protected walk along the building. The disc is supported by transparent blocks of laboratories and amenities, which articulate a porous ground floor and form the primary spatial experience by framing a central courtyard. The courtyard is open to the public and encompasses the three main entrances to the building. 

Aerial view

Concept design of AstraZeneca Global R&D centre and corporate HQ, Cambridge, UK – illustration of proposed design, subject to planning consent © Herzog & de Meuron

The proportion and scale of the courtyard refer to the historical colleges in central Cambridge. Large trees and the green lawn in the centre of the courtyard establish a place for recreation and informal meetings. The internal design of the building promotes visible science in a synergetic, sharing environment. High-technology laboratories are separated from work and circulation spaces by translucent partitions, fostering a workplace environment based on communication and collaboration.

View from Circus

Concept design of AstraZeneca Global R&D centre and corporate HQ, Cambridge, UK – illustration of proposed design, subject to planning consent © Herzog & de Meuron

A ring area on the first and second floor overlooking the central courtyard provides a large diversity of spaces and arrangements for employees to meet, work and exchange. The saw-tooth roof brings top light into the deep floor plates. The zig-zag geometry of the roof is continued vertically, structuring the facade and giving it this distinctive character.

Courtyard

Concept design of AstraZeneca Global R&D centre and corporate HQ, Cambridge, UK – illustration of proposed design, subject to planning consent © Herzog & de Meuron

The AstraZeneca Campus comprises a North and a South plot and is located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The masterplan will be delivered in phases. The first phase includes the Global R&D Centre and Corporate Headquarters with the central courtyard on the North plot; it also includes the R&D Enabling Building and the Energy Centre on the South plot. Subsequent development will follow the completion of the first phase. Planned are a series of buildings on the South plot enclosing an elongated park that uses a similar formal planting language as the courtyard on the North plot.

Laboratory, second floor

Concept design of AstraZeneca Global R&D centre and corporate HQ, Cambridge, UK – illustration of proposed design, subject to planning consent © Herzog & de Meuron

A consistent material palette throughout the North and the South plot unifies all buildings. The landscape concept creates a green carpet into which individual buildings, path systems and infrastructure are embedded and that allows a continuous visual connection between the separate elements.

Ring, first floor

Concept design of AstraZeneca Global R&D centre and corporate HQ, Cambridge, UK – illustration of proposed design, subject to planning consent © Herzog & de Meuron

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