The Francis Crick Institute, one of the most significant developments in UK biomedical science in a generation, is an unprecedented partnership between six of the world’s leading biomedical and academic organisations: Cancer Research UK, the Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and King’s College London. Its goal is to understand the basic biology underlying human health, driving forward better treatment and prevention of illnesses such as cancers, heart disease, stroke, flu and other infections. HOK’s design for the 91,000 sq m building aims to produce greater collaboration and innovation in biomedical science. The building houses 1,500 staff, including 1,250 scientists, and is specifically designed to promote inter-disciplinary work and encourage collaboration. Glass walls allow for views into laboratories, promoting transparency and openness, while spaces are kept as open and flexible as possible to allow rapid conversion to new uses. The building also provides conference, training and workshop facilities and is able to host large international meetings as well as smaller, more informal workshops and training courses.