basement levels. The total internal floor area is including of laboratories with of laboratory benching and of associated write up space. As well as state of the art scientific equipment, much of it extremely sensitive to vibration and electromagnetic emissions, and requiring advanced methods of air handling, over a third of the building is given over to plant rooms and services distribution. The facility incorporates a combined heat and power plant in order to provide low-carbon onsite power. Solar panels installed in the roof provide extra renewable power and all light fittings are energy-efficient. The roof also hides the heating and cooling units. A third of the building is below ground to reduce its visible size and provide further protection to sensitive equipment. Laboratories within the building are arranged over four floors, made up of four interconnected blocks, designed to encourage interaction between scientists working in different research fields. The institute also includes a public exhibition/gallery space, an educational space, a 450-seat auditorium and a community facility. 'Paradigm', a 14-metre high sculpture made of weathered steel and designed by the British artist Conrad Shawcross, was installed outside the main entrance to the institute in 2016. It is one of the largest public sculptures in London. Construction timeline In July 2008 Arup Project Management, who had previously been involved in site evaluation studies, were appointed by the client UKCMRI as project manager for the institute's chosen location at Brill Place. In August the full professional team was appointed, including architect and lead designer HOK, AKT II (structural engineer), Arup (building services engineering) and Turner & Townsend (cost managers). In 2010 PLP Architecture was appointed to collaborate with HOK on the building's external envelope and BMJ architects were retained as a biological research facilities consultant. Following planning approval by Camden in December 2010, Laing O'Rourke was appointed as main contractor in March 2011. Construction began in July 2011 and reached practical completion on time and within budget in August 2016, with researchers starting work in the new building in September. The construction cost was £465 million and including fit-out of the building the capital cost of the project was approximately £700 million. References External links The Queen opens the Francis Crick Institute Buildings and structures in the London Borough of Camden Cancer organisations based in the United Kingdom Charities based in London Health in the London Borough of Camden Medical research institutes