November 2021 - Construction of the Life and Mind Building begins
This is the largest building project ever undertaken on behalf of the University and will be its largest teaching and research facility
Legal & General, Oxford University and Wates Construction Group are pleased to announce that construction has started on the Life and Mind Building (LaMB), as part of Legal & General and Oxford University’s £4bn partnership. Due to open in 2024, this building represents the largest building project ever undertaken on behalf of the University, and will be its largest teaching and research facility, significantly improving the way that biology and psychology are taught in Oxford. This will help scientists in the Departments of Biology and Experimental Psychology solve some of our major global challenges.
Wates have been appointed as the main contractor to deliver the NBBJ-designed Life and Mind Building. Situated at the gateway to the Oxford’s Science Area, LaMB replaces the Tinbergen building which closed in February 2017. It will cover 25,000 sq m, set over two wings containing laboratory and office accommodation with a central atrium and lower floor teaching centre. The design will provide maximal flexibility and foster collaboration between departments.
The construction of this new building will transform the educational experience for students, provide laboratories for students and researchers, as well as lecture theatres, specialised support laboratories and opportunities for public engagement. The new building will also aim to facilitate the University’s schools and public outreach programmes through opportunities for art, exhibitions, lectures and conferences, offering a window into science.
Professor Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University said: “This ground breaking for the new Life and Mind Building marks an important day for Oxford research. It will bring together scientists, scholars and students from all over the world, and from a wide range of disciplines, to push at the frontiers of knowledge and to find solutions to global problems. We are delighted that our partnership with Legal and General is making it possible.”
Kia Nobre, Head of the Department of Experimental Psychology, said: "Evacuating the Tinbergen Building in 2017 created an opening to imagine the future of our academic disciplines at Oxford – a space to research, educate, and engage our community in two of the greatest mysteries of the universe – Life and Mind. Today, that imagination starts taking concrete shape. Ground-breaking in many ways."
Find out more on the University of Oxford webpage.
