The Wolfson Building, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford
The Wolfson Building, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford
Part of the John Radcliffe Hospital
Forming part of the John Radcliffe Hospital complex in Oxford and bounding the Old Headington Conservation Area, the Wolfson Building extends from a constrained and sloped site, offering expansive views of the city and surroundings. Supported by funding from the Wolfson Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, the building offers the UK’s first dedicated centre for stroke and dementia research.
Purpose-built research facilities
Purpose-built facilities encompass the Wolfson Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia (CPSD) as well as additional research space for the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN). Both of these organisations are units of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), part of the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division (MSD).
Two staggered forms
The building is expressed as two linear rectangular forms staggered to articulate the H-shape floor plan. The primary spaces are organised on either side of a circulation and service spine that incorporates the stairs, lift and shared facilities such as amenities and meeting rooms. Horizontal circulation is terminated on both ends with windows to provide visual relief and engagement with its urban context. This layout is symbolic of the collaborative relationship between the two departments.
A modular pattern
The modular elements have been arranged in various combinations to create a unique architectural pattern broken up by full height slot window apertures that introduce daylight deep into the building. The variation in the positioning of these windows articulates the facade and is arranged to relate to the position of the sun and local context. Windows also express the variety of internal spaces where the floorplate is setout to create a flexible module for both cellular office and open plan workstations that support the different styles of this contemporary academic workplace. The simple fixed glazing ensures security whilst maximising daylight into the building, an important consideration for the comfort of the occupants.
Explore the interiors of The Wolfson Building, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford.
Read more in Insights: The Wolfson Building wins at RIBA South and Oxford Preservation Trust Awards.
Awards
| 2021 | RIBA | RIBA South Award | |
Press
| 9 Sep 2020 | Archinect | Winners of the 2020 International Architecture Awards | |
| 5 Jun 2020 | RIBAJ | Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp gives John Radcliffe Hospital place on RIBA Regional Awards South shortlist | |
| 6 Mar 2020 | University of Oxford | New stroke research centre opens in Oxford | |
