International Centre for Life
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Bright colours represent the coding colours of DNA
David Churchill and Tim Soar Download Original
Mixed-use regeneration project in Newcastle's west end, taking the shape of a human embryo
The International Centre for Life is a mixed-use development intended to bring together scientists, clinicians, academics and the public for the advancement of the life sciences.
The masterplan includes a genetics research institute for Newcastle University, a Bioscience Centre housing commercial research and development, and a public attraction named Global Garden intended to promote interest in the life sciences. These buildings are arranged around a central open space, resembling in plan the shape of a human embryo and preserving at its centre a listed market keeper’s cottage.
Newcastle University’s Institute of Human Genetics houses research and teaching facilities along with a clinic for patients. The bright colours used throughout – green, yellow, blue and red – represent the code of DNA, the discovery of which launched the modern science of genetics.
Data
- Begun: Dec 1996
- Completed: Dec 2000
- Floor area: 25,300m2
- Sectors: Education, Civic, Public realm, Office, Arts and culture, Healthcare
- Total cost: £56M
- Tender date: Oct 1996
- Procurement: JCT 80 and JCT 98
- Address: Times Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4EP, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Terry Farrell and Partners
- Project architects: Chris Barber, Emily Armer, Michael Barry, Paul Bell, Terry Farrell
- Client: International Centre for Life
- Project manager: BDP project
- Building services engineer: Mott MacDonald
- Landscape architect: Gillespies Environmental Design
- Main contractor: Laing