Queen Street Oxford
MICA is working with FORA and The Office Group to develop designs for vibrant co-working environments in the heart of the evolving centre of historic Oxford.Client
The Office Group – Trevor Phyo
Size
GIA 7500 m2
Date
2019-2024
The proposals retrofit the large existing department store to provide an innovative and high quality co-working environment and life science. The building features a major new entrance to St Ebbe’s Street and is unified by a multi-level lightwell and topped by a large roof garden.
MICA and the design team undertook a holistic review of the spaces including space planning, environmental modelling and reshaping of volumes. This has resulted in creating light filled, efficient and modern spaces that are flexible to be occupied as life science and offices.
The works include the upgrade of the external envelope, introduction of new fossil free services provision, densification with further office accommodation within the roof space and introduction of lightwells to improve the quality of spaces.
A WLC assessment did take place for the options which informed particularly the new built elements and services.
The flexible plan and layout combining life science and office allows the building to have a robust positioning towards the future. Various plan layouts and services strategies were reviewed and incorporated into the design.
The buildings connection to the city is improved by introduction of new entrances, new public realm work and improvement of biodiversity by a new roof garden.
