The Wellcome Trust is the largest and most influential medical charity in the world. Wellcome commissioned Arup to develop a vision and masterplan for a major campus expansion.

Arup works with clients across the sector to develop and design buildings and estates that will produce insight, collaboration and ultimately, tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

As architects, three key principles inform our approach to these projects:

  • Collaboration: architecture can physically encourage the cross-disciplinary interaction and collaboration that leads to scientific innovation  
  • Resilience: design should be highly functional, providing a high degree of environmental controlled while using as little energy as possible. Efficiency, cost-effective operation and wider net zero goals can and should be aligned in the design.
  • Adaptability: design is a way of planning for flexibility and change. The pace of technological change and growth in digital and analytical capability, means spaces must be designed in an open-minded way, remaining ready to change purpose, structure and form. Healthcare architecture must also keep up with new thinking from medical professionals, enabling them to treat and interact with patients in the most efficient and supportive way possible. 

We see a growth in ‘Innovation Districts’ with science and healthcare based clustering encouraging collaboration between academics, all types of businesses, entrepreneurs and the local community. By fusing the capabilities of a leading research university together with the skills, talent and expertise of its neighbours, clustering can support local enterprise and attract dynamic companies to the area.