Our vision is a striking building that sits confidently in its context, and communicates the ambition of Oriel as an innovative, integrated eye care, research and education facility. This strong identity builds on the heritage of Moorfields to reinforce their reputation as an international centre of excellence.
The challenge
To define a new home for Moorfields Eye Hospital, which is moving from its’ home of over 100 years at Old Street to St. Pancras Hospital, that would be clearly defined and instantly recognisable. The building must also be easy to navigate for all building users, which includes new and existing patients, staff, researchers, visitors and the public.
The result
Oriel provides a distinct and considered response to its surrounding context; one that is identifiable as the new integrated home as a world-leading healthcare and research environment. The articulated form of the building creates a dynamic impression from the wider approach, becoming a destination.
The building is approached through high quality public spaces with building entrances visible from key routes and views. These transition spaces create calming tree lined routes and garden spaces. The glazed colonnaded plinth allows views into and through the entrance, providing a strong visual connection and a civic presence.
Key feature
The sensory journey focused around the heart of Oriel is key to unlocking the building; this begins at the foyer space at ground floor, which is open, light and accessible, creating an internal public space with a civic feel. The entrance provides glimpses to landscaped terraces at upper floors. The sensory journey starts here and leads to the main stair, through the use key materials defining the route and allowing the building to be legible and navigable for all building users.
The design creates external landscaped terraces across all upper floors, providing areas of reflection and contemplation, play and social space, linking in to the sensory journey. A route for all leads to the rooftop garden, providing far reaching views across London.
