The Pears Building, commissioned by the Royal Free Charity and designed by Hopkins Architects, has won a 2023 RIBA London Award. News of the RIBA award comes a month after the building achieved a highly commended accolade at the 2023 Civic Trust Awards, which celebrate excellence in architecture that is sustainable, accessible and provides a positive civic contribution.
The building houses UCL’s Institute of Immunity and Transplantation (IIT), two floors of accommodation for patients of the Royal Free Hospital and those taking part in clinical trials, and the Charity’s office headquarters. There’s also a café, open to the public, in the building’s main atrium.
The building allows scientists to have greater access to patient samples, and patients have greater access to clinical trials and new treatments.
All RIBA London Awards winners will be considered for the RIBA National Award, scheduled to be announced on June 22nd.
Located on the Royal Free Hospital campus, the building’s innovative design includes a green roof, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems, reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the RFL’s commitment to environmental sustainability.