The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at UCL, UK
Designed by Ian Ritchie Architects, the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) at University College London is a cutting-edge research facility at the forefront of neurological discovery. It brings together world-renowned scientists to explore the workings of the brain, aiming to unlock its deepest mysteries.
The building’s architecture was purposefully conceived to foster collaboration and connection among researchers from a wide range of disciplines—both theoretical and experimental. The design team engaged closely with individuals at all levels, ensuring the space would actively support communication, creativity, and cross-disciplinary interaction.
Designing a Lab that Inspires
This collaborative approach led to an interior that emphasizes visibility, connectivity, and openness—featuring multiple vantage points, varied spatial volumes, and a sense of permeability. The result is a space that mirrors the “scale-free network” of the brain itself, reinforcing the centre’s mission both conceptually and functionally.
“The design team worked directly with neuroscientists for over four years. We’ve been learning from one another—architects from scientists, and scientists from architects. In a way, we’ve all become neural architects.”
— Professor John O’Keefe, Inaugural Director of SWC and 2014 Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine or Physiology
When it came to selecting a laboratory chair, the HÅG Capisco Puls was chosen for all research and laboratory spaces. Cleanroom certified and ergonomically versatile, the Capisco Puls is ideal for dynamic lab environments. Its sculptural form allows scientists to transition easily between workstations and maintain comfortable posture—even when leaning forward over microscopes or lab equipment for extended periods. With its minimal, sleek design, the chair complements the building’s clean, modern aesthetic without introducing visual clutter.
