Following the sudden closure of the Tinbergen Building, the University of Oxford needed a home for the existing Department of Experimental Psychology and new Department of Biology, combining existing plant sciences and zoology. 

They needed a building to transform the relationship between the sciences and provide innovative facilities for teaching and research to equip a new generation of scientists in addressing future critical global health challenges. Arup led the project from pre-inception to completion through to handover.

Our cross-disciplinary approach and diverse skill set enabled us to secure project funding under a new capital project governance framework and establish behavioural change initiatives across departments resulting in a spatially efficient building to support future growth. We achieved significant savings through value-management and value-engineering, and obtained planning consent for Oxford’s tallest building, not only enhancing the historic skyline but also setting new sustainability benchmarks for architectural design quality within the city's historic conservation area.

Reflective of the city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, collaboration and future growth, the Life and Mind Building (LaMB) will significantly improve the way psychological and biological science is undertaken at the University of Oxford, helping scientists solve major global challenges. Providing a new home for the INEOS Oxford Institute for antimicrobial resistance research, it has attracted £100M in funding, strengthening the University’s capabilities and helping address major scientific challenges and threats to global health.

Strategic leadership and stakeholder collaboration

Arup’s involvement with the LaMB project extended far beyond traditional project management. Appointed as project director, we worked closely with the University’s leadership and stakeholders to create a shared vision to transform the future of science at Oxford. This collaborative approach was essential in uniting three academic departments and aligning diverse priorities, ensuring the project’s success despite significant organisational and financial challenges.

Arup developed the client vision into a robust business case for redevelopment of the old Tinbergen site and established a benefits-led basis for the investment decision, pioneering the use of the HM Treasury 5 case model under the University’s new capital project governance framework.

A large building with a bridge over it.

The University of Oxford needed a home for the existing Department of Experimental Psychology and new Department of Biology.

A building with a courtyard and trees.

The Life and Mind Building will significantly improve the way psychological and biological science is undertaken at the university, helping scientists solve major global challenges.

Innovative value management and design solutions

Facing an initial cost estimate that far exceeded the available budget, Arup pioneered a rigorous programme of value management and engineering, resulting in an overall reduction in forecast project costs. Arup led a functional approach to refining user requirements which enabled a 21% reduction in occupied floor space, accommodating a 23% increase in staff and student capacity for future growth.

The project also set a precedent as the first tall building in Oxford to be consented under Policy DH2, demonstrating exceptional architectural quality and enhancing the city’s historic skyline. The approval enabled an increase in internal floor area while creating 1,200m2 of new public realm to give back to the city.

Broader impact and legacy

The spatial efficiency of the LaMB project allowed three academic departments to be housed on a site previously occupied by two, freeing up valuable space for the progressive redevelopment of Oxford’s densely packed science quarter. The building’s design and operational standards set new benchmarks for sustainability, with the adoption of Passivhaus principles delivering a reduction in carbon use 40% below Building Regulations Part L.

By enabling collaboration among world-leading scientists and supporting the University’s long-term growth, LaMB leaves a lasting legacy for both Oxford and the wider scientific community.

A group of people walking on a balcony.

Inside the Life and Mind Building - the atrium is designed to encourage engagement and foster collaboration between all building users.

A couple of people in a laboratory.

The laboratory spaces supports world-class research in biology, experimental psychology and antimicrobial resistance.

A group of people sitting on a white couch outside a building.

The rooftop terraces offer new outdoor spaces and views across the city’s historic skyline.

The Life and Mind Building represents a step forward in creating spaces that enable world-class research and collaboration. Arup’s integrated project and contract management processes provided a strong framework throughout delivery, helping us achieve a successful outcome on a project of this scale.

Mike Coplowe

Head of Development Partnerships, Asset Management at Legal & General

Partners & collaborators

NBBJ / Ramboll Group / Hoare Lea / Arcadis / Savills / Fira Landscape Ltd / Wates Group / SES Engineering Services