Harwell Science and Innovation Campus has officially opened Lumen, a newly refurbished 17,000 SQF CL2 fitted laboratory and office building, setting a new industry standard in neuroinclusive lab design.

Lumen is the first fitted lab space in the UK designed with neuroinclusive principles at its core. It was refurbished following an industry-leading research project between the campus, global design practice HOK and The University of West of Scotland. The survey revealed that lab spaces designed to foster technological and scientific innovation are inadvertently stifling the potential of the brilliant minds working within them by not addressing the sensory processing needs of the occupants.

Design principles from the research have been embedded into Lumen. Working with architects Fairhursts and inclusive design consultancy Motionspot, the refurbishment has created a new benchmark for modern CL2 laboratories and fitted office spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and sustainable.

Improvements included:

• Neurozones, a mix of collaborative areas and contemplative pods connected with clear floor layouts support different neurotypes, working styles and sensory needs.

• Acoustic treatments and neuroinclusive colour palettes promote calm and comfort throughout.

• Biophilic design, with indoor planting and natural graphics, strengthen visual connections to the outdoors.

Lab perimeters have also been reimagined as quiet communal zones for focus, with rounded bench tops introduced for in-lab collaboration. Sourced through Bulb Laboratories it marks the first time these benches have been integrated into a lab environment.

Jim Stretton, Managing Director of Harwell Campus, said: “Lumen represents a step change in how we think about science spaces. By setting a new industry standard in inclusive laboratory design, we’re helping our scientists to deliver life-changing research in environments that truly support them.”

Amanda Lawless, Senior Interior Designer at BondBryan:Fairhursts, said: “Designing interiors that balance functionality with inclusivity has been central to this project. By rethinking everything from colour palettes to acoustics and spatial layouts, we’ve been able to create a laboratory and workplace environment that not only meets technical demands but also fosters comfort, focus and creativity for a diverse community of users.”

Ed Warner MBE, co-founder of Motionspot, said: “Accessibility and inclusion must be at the heart of all workplace design, and Lumen shows what can be achieved when that principle guides a project from the start. By combining accessibility with neuroinclusive design, this space is not only more usable but more inspiring for the diverse community of scientists who will work here.”

Lumen is the latest development to open at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and is part of the Campus’ 600 initiative, which will see over 600,000 sq. ft of innovation and collaboration space built at the campus by 2026, supporting the immediate needs of Oxfordshire and the wider region’s thriving innovation and spin-out community. 

Looking to the future, the Campus has a detailed masterplan to deliver an additional 4 million SQF of advanced manufacturing, laboratory, and office space – ensuring the 700-acre campus continues to power the UK’s science, technology, and industrial growth for years to come.