Life Mind Building Visit with NBBJ in Oxford

Date: Tuesday 29th September 2026

Time: Tour starts at 10am. Please arrive by 9.45 am to register.

Title: Building Tour with NBBJ Architects Design Director

Venue: Life Mind Building, Department of Biology, South park Road, OX1 3EL

Important instructions: No PPE required.

Parking: use city public carparks, park and ride, walk or bike. Remember the Oxford City traffic filter trial will replace Oxford's temporary congestion charge on 28 September 2026.

Organizers: Oxfordshire Society of Architects

Sponsors: With support from RIBA LIF

Thanks to support from Imperial Bricks sponsor of RIBA Oxfordshire events 2025-2026

About the visit

We will be greeted by NBBJ – likely Ingo Braun, Design Director who led the design. He will do a short talk in a seminar room on the lower ground floor (teas/ coffees provided) and then lead a tour. Finish around 12pm

About the project

'Promoting research and discovery, the Life and Mind Building at the University of Oxford embodies the increasingly collaborative nature of modern science—bringing the psychological and biological sciences together within a more integrated, space-efficient environment that encourages connection across departments and with the community. Open, light-filled spaces invite public engagement, while shared research, teaching and study environments make more effective use of space, ensuring Oxford's investment continues to advance learning and discovery for decades to come..'

'The Life and Mind Building’s stone facade features a sculpted brainwave—recorded from an Oxford researcher during the design process—turning two seconds of thought into a lasting symbol of discovery and the dialogue between life and mind..'

'As the University of Oxford's largest-ever construction project—and the UK’s largest laboratory designed to Passivhaus principles—the Life and Mind Building sets a new standard for efficiency and adaptability. Flexible laboratory platforms and shared facilities support multiple research types within a compact footprint, allowing the building to evolve over time while maximizing long-term value and sustainable performance.'

Text from NBBJ website https://www.nbbj.com/work/university-of-oxford-life-and-mind-building

They say 'We are an ideas-driven design firm with an empathetic process. Our work is rooted in research, making and the belief that all voices should be heard. We help clients pursue health, community and a zero-carbon future.'

They say ' Nestled in the heart of Oxford, the building stands as a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern functionality. Surrounded by cobbled streets and centuries-old colleges, it serves as a vibrant hub for academic and community life.'

Ox Arch

The Oxford Architecture Society is the beating heart of the student community of the Oxford School of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University. Whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate student; studying architecture, interior architecture or one of the umpteen masters on offer at our school; staff, graduate, or work in one of the many architectural practices in Oxfordshire; we're the society for you. We have an amazing series of events, socials, lectures, competitions, workshops and sports events lined up for the next year and can't wait to unveil our full programme.