The adaptive reuse of the Gibson and Harkness buildings in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter will provide a highly sustainable home for the newly established Oxford Institute of Digital Health.

OXFORD, UK – The University of Oxford and internationally-renowned architecture practices NBBJ and Purcell have achieved planning permission for the new home for the Oxford Institute of Digital Health (OIDH) within the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences.

The OIDH will transform the Gibson and Harkness buildings, maximising use of the existing structures to create high quality and sustainable spaces through strategic refurbishment, interventions and new connections. The NBBJ-led Design Team worked within the existing context, improving the setting of the Grade 1 listed Radcliffe Observatory.

The Institute is an interdisciplinary academic hub that will link with industry, health systems and governments to provide digital solutions to some of the biggest health challenges for individuals and populations. 

The design unifies the two buildings, taking into consideration quality of space, sustainability and cost. By connecting the Harkness and Gibson through a glazed roof, a single identifiable entity is formed, forming a shared courtyard that offers additional space and optimises the thermal envelope. 

This courtyard will become a ‘green heart’ with multiple uses from informal working and serendipitous cross-disciplinary interactions to a restorative space to reflect, relax and inspire creative thinking. Diffused natural light, natural materials and extensive planting will create a pleasant and calm atmosphere offering spaces that feel intimate and soothing, as well as encouraging movement and interaction.

The project is targeting Passivhaus EnerPHit Standard for refurbishments to create a highly energy efficient building with passive design features such as a compact form factor, highly insulated, airtight envelope and optimum solar shading. Measures include an innovative new screen of ground-bearing, post-tensioned natural limestone that provides a low carbon and contextual front facade without requiring strengthening of the existing structure. The sustainability strategies are aligned with the ambitions of the Oxford Local Plan NZC 2040.

Professor Richard Hobbs, Director of the Oxford Institute of Digital Health, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, said: “A sense of place, space and innovation in design will bring the best experts together to motivate and create the best research and teaching. We are working closely with the architects to create a vibrant environment, high quality and innovative space for our staff and students to thrive in.”

David Lewis, Partner at NBBJ said: “Designing this new Institute makes NBBJ part of the frontier of using digital tools to improve health outcomes for whole communities; we are so pleased to be able to provide an inspiring sustainable and welcoming space for researchers, academics and students to work and come together to solve major global challenges.”

The University is actively fundraising for the OIDH and the building development project.