As part of a larger master plan for the St Pancras Hospital in London, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (London), the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology (London), and Moorfields Eye Charity (London) are planning a new eye health center for clinicians, researchers, and educators. The center will bring together treatment, research, and education in one adaptive and sustainable building within London’s Kings Cross and St Pancras science and innovation Knowledge Quarter.
Led by AECOM (London), the team includes Penoyre & Prasad (London), Perkins&Will (London), and White Arkitekter (London and Stockholm).
Accommodating a diverse range of uses, the project is designed to adapt to evolving needs in eye care and treatment.
The building’s interior and landscapes channel a Scandinavian approach, focusing on the use of natural light and materials to stimulate and promote health and well-being, including an atrium with a softly curved ash wood railing. Central to the development is the grand atrium, a welcoming arrival space that serves as the main public meeting and circulation area for clinicians and patients, researchers, and students, as well as support staff and visitors.
The focal point of the atrium is a sculptural timber volume that extends from the ground level to a height of six stories, serving as an enclosure for the elevators while creating a striking touch point for wayfinding.
Careful consideration has been given to lighting concepts, color schemes, wayfinding, and surface materials, both within the building and the public spaces around it, to increase navigability and create a seamless user journey.
Project details:
Facility name: Oriel
Location: London
Expected completion date: 2026
Owner: Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and Moorfields Eye Charity
Total building area: 425,174 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: Confidential
Cost/sq. ft.: N/A
Lead architect: Penoyre & Prasad
Interior architect: White Arkitekter
Public realm and landscape architect: White Arkitekter
Project manager: AECOM
General contractor: N/A
Engineering: N/A
Builder: N/A
