Sophie Wombwell

This biotech laboratory and coworking space was designed for my Final Major Project. The design aims to put often hidden bio material research and experimentation on display, to encourage everyone to consider their role in our transition to a more sustainable future.

The proposal is for a disused retail space on Fife Road in Kingston Upon Thames to encourage research into sustainable material generation. Architectural interventions tackle existing problems with the deep dark plan allowing little natural light or air into the building. The steel floor plate and curved steel roof have been removed to create a courtyard at the back of the building, a 45 degree cut has been taken through to the front of the building. This creates a new partly covered triple height public walkway to the rear of the building leading to a new entry sequence.

The ground floor is comprised of the shared facilities including a bio safety level (BSL) 1 lab including technician’s lab, BSL-2 lab and 3D workshop. These uses are separated into boxes which have been sliced by a central glass corridor. The BSL-2 lab is contained in a fully sealed box, which protrudes from the new channel glass façade putting often invisible research on display.

Private studio spaces, co-working space and a communal area makes up the first and second floor. Studios are used by individuals and small startups in biotechnology. There are two sizes of studio, regular, ideal for one or two people and a larger size, which is designed for two or three people to work comfortably.

The program and special design encourages people from diverse backgrounds to meet, discuss and collaborate in the effort to transition to a circular economy.

 

The full project book can be found on my website.