Transforming Research Collaboration and Engagement:
The Wellcome Trust Board of Governors recognised the importance of post-conference activities for fostering interaction among researchers, prompting the development of a larger bar to accommodate 100-120 people. The decision to locate the new bar in the Kitchen Garden served as a catalyst to align with the evolving Science Strategy, enhancing public engagement and alleviating circulation bottlenecks in adjacent areas like the colonnade, RFP, James Watson meeting rooms, and Crick Auditorium.
The brief emphasised creating a versatile public space usable day and night, ultimately redefining the Conference Centre’s image to better reflect its mission of promoting communication, collaboration, and creativity. The new enclosure features flexible multi-use areas, including breakout spaces, soft seating, and exhibition zones for science posters and trade displays, effectively addressing previous bottlenecks in the cloister corridors.
The brief emphasised creating a versatile public space usable day and night, ultimately redefining the Conference Centre’s image to better reflect its mission of promoting communication, collaboration, and creativity. The new enclosure features flexible multi-use areas, including breakout spaces, soft seating, and exhibition zones for science posters and trade displays, effectively addressing previous bottlenecks in the cloister corridors.
Since the completion of this project, Conference Centre income has increased by 50%. Key achievements include the innovative roof system, a comprehensive refurbishment of the lecture theatre added mid-project, and the intricate acoustic "tree of life" design. Challenges included replacing the entire Victorian drainage system and navigating the complexities of working within a Grade II* listed environment while conducting advanced thermal and acoustic modelling.