pioneering the future of scientific research
The University of Cambridge with Jestico + Whiles and Bouygues UK have unveiled the Ray Dolby Centre, the landmark new building that serves as the home of the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics...
The Cavendish Laboratory has been at the forefront of physics research for more than 150 years. With 31 Nobel Prizes emanating from it, The Cavendish Laboratory has been the grounds of numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including the electron, the neutron, and the structure of DNA. Its new home, the Ray Dolby Centre, situated at the heart of Cambridge West Innovation District, sets the stage for a new era of scientific innovation. Spanning 32,900m² across five floors, the highly technical research and learning facility is equipped with laboratories, workshops, cleanrooms, offices, and collaborative spaces, all tailored to support a diverse array of physics research. Serving as a national hub for physics it hosts the new EPSRC National Facility, CORDE. The Collaborative R&D Environment will foster cooperation collaboration between industry and university researchers and enhance public access to groundbreaking scientific endeavours. Empowering the next generation of scientists The Ray Dolby Centre is designed to inspire and educate, offering extensive teaching and learning spaces for its 1,100 staff members and students, including a 400-seat lecture theatre, undergraduate teaching labs, a learning resource centre, café space, and outreach and exhibition spaces organised around six peaceful courtyards and a connecting ‘street’ to encourage collaboration and interaction between staff and students. Jestico + Whiles’ design prioritises active fronts and an inclusive public realm, featuring a lively new south-facing central garden and three pocket rain gardens. Large picture windows provide views into the laboratories and public areas, showcasing the research and learning activities within. The central garden leads guests up to an elevated piazza and into the arrival space with twin floating lecture theatres adorned in burnished bronze shingles. Drawing inspiration from Cambridge’s distinct architectural heritage, the facade features a durable, timeless combination of white polished concrete, glass, and aluminium.
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