Innovation KPF

One of the stand-out moments of our Oxford Cambridge Corridor Development Conference was a unique look into design, planning and development through the eyes of global architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. With experience of working on some of the world’s most exciting projects – especially within the technology, innovation and educational districts field – we’ve decided to have a following up chat with Director Elie Gamburg…

Q. How do architects have to adapt their designs for buildings hosting life science and technology space?

There are many factors, technical and otherwise, in planning for buildings that house life-science and technology companies. Compared to typical commercial office developments, they have different space planning module dimensions, different approaches to MEP systems, and different population loads on circulation/building support. The biggest differences, however, are less technical and more conceptual: innovative companies both in technology and life-science seek projects that are about community, not commodity. They need to complement their work spaces with a full range of support and amenity spaces that foster a work culture, catalyze engagement across teams and hierarchies, and help them retain and excite talent. [emaillocker id=”71749″]

Q. Could you reveal some of the work your firm has done across the Oxcams Arc?

We have previously completed buildings for Oxford, including the Rothermere American Institute and the Ruth Deech Building at St. Anne’s College. In London, we are working on a range of buildings for research and student housing in an emerging ‘Southwark Innovation Corridor’ anchored by Guy’s and St. Thomas, and elsewhere in London we have completed innovative office buildings such as Unilever’s European Headquarters and Heron Tower, both in the city.

Q. Ideas in masterplanning have shifted in recent years, what does Kohn Pedersen Fox see as the most decisive shifts?

As the scale of development has increased, many new projects in the UK and globally straddle the line between ‘architecture’ and ‘masterplanning’ meaning that firms whose internal teams are able to do both are uniquely positioned to innovate. We have found that the success of these projects depend on a few key ideas. As large, multi-phase projects take time to build out, it is important to identify a set of ‘out-of-the-box’ components that make an in-progress neighbourhood feel like a community in early phases, in advance of completion.

It is also important to work closely with clients and communities to develop a complimentary mix of programs that create a distinct culture and quality of life to a development as it progresses that attracts tenants, residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, understanding flexibility in building types and neighbourhood structure ensures that these masterplans continue to satisfy a diverse range of
needs as they evolve over time.

Q. What projects are Kohn Pedersen Fox most excited to take on in the near future?

We are a firm that believes in the ability of design to create community, foster innovation, and enhance sustainability. In short, that design really can improve
the world. It is not a particular size or type of project that excites us, but the ability to collaborate with forward looking clients, institutions and communities to
create something transformative and contribute positively to small and large cities.

Q. Kohn Pedersen Fox makes a commitment towards sustainability, what are some of the signature ways that you incorporate sustainable principles into your decisions?

As a practice, sustainability impacts everything we do (and has since long before it became a standard for best practice). As a global firm we embrace our
responsibility to lead in sustainability both through disciplinary efforts (like the AIA and RIBA 2030 Challenges) and in our work which continues to prove that highly environmentally sustainable buildings are also socially and economically successful.

Our principles include innovative approaches to building re-use which are often significantly more sustainable than new construction, integration of ground-breaking parametric design tools into our design practice to ensure our buildings actually deliver on our aspirations, and the integration of sustainability into design decisions ranging from building form and orientation to materiality and
building systems.

Q. Kohn Pedersen Fox works internationally and across the country, what are some of the features that you feel makes the OxCams arc a prime location for new development?

As a firm practicing globally we can objectively say that the Oxford Cambridge Corridor is already one of the world’s most promising innovation networks due to its renowned education and research institutions, diversity of financial and venture capital institutions, emerging centres of technology and creative industry, and the general high-quality of life found in numerous communities all across the arc.

There are enormous opportunities to use quality design and planning to leverage that framework to better integrate the various elements of this innovation
network, expand these communities in thoughtful ways, and utilise its energy as an engine of community investment and social equity.

How was Kohn Pedersen Fox’s experience at the recent Oxford Cambridge Corridor Development Conference?

We found the event and the company quite stimulating, especially considering the need to speak and meet people fully remotely due to Covid-19. We look
forward to attending and participating in more in the future and to the community we became acquainted with as part of this event.

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