Modular Research & Laboratory Projects, University of Oxford
Modular Research & Laboratory Projects, University of Oxford
Closure of the Tinbergen Building
In February 2017, the University of Oxford took the unexpected decision to close the Tinbergen Building on South Parks Road, the largest teaching, research and specialist administration building on the University Estate. It housed specialist research facilities and administration for the Departments of Experimental Psychology and Zoology, and specialist teaching facilities for undergraduates in Experimental Psychology, Biological Sciences and Biochemistry.
A modular solution
The closure required temporary accommodation for the displaced staff. Drawing on its knowledge of the original Tinbergen project, fjc was commissioned to develop, with Portakabin, the designs for economical modular laboratories delivered within a constrained programme. The design maximised the benefits of off-site and modular construction, repetition and standardised components, and an integrated services strategy.
Three buildings, two sites
The project delivered three modular laboratories across two sites. The first, providing specialist testing facilities and offices for the Department of Experimental Psychology, is on the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. The other two, providing teaching and research laboratories for Zoology, Biology and Biochemistry, are in the middle of the Science Area, on the University Club playing field. Because of the sensitive nature of the sites, the project involved careful discussions with the council and stakeholders, including an extensive public consultation process.
Experimental Psychology Research Modular
Located on the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, this two-storey building provides research facilities for the Department of Experimental Psychology. It includes more than 50 specialist testing booths, some electromagnetically shielded for EEG studies, supported by offices, social spaces and seminar facilities for up to 200 staff and research participants.
Zoology Research Modular Laboratory
This three-storey building combines Category 2 wet laboratories, constant temperature rooms, laboratory support including instrumentation and microscopy, offices, and meeting and seminar facilities, serving more than 300 research staff in the University’s Department of Zoology.
Biology and Biochemistry Teaching Modular
Completed in 2017, this modular building provides wet laboratories and support spaces for 240 students studying biology and biochemistry. Design and construction took seven months.