Object

Representation ID: 30717

Received: 02/09/2015

Respondent: Mr Dick Middleton

I learned with incredulity that as part of the above development you are planning significant alterations to the Cavendish Laboratory.

This laboratory building is of extraordinary historic value in the context of modern scientific development and progress. It was designed by the somewhat unknown mathematical genius James Clerk Maxwell. Maxwell is man whose insights laid the foundation for all modern physics including radio, x-rays,
light, radio astronomy, quantum physics and so on. Many Nobel Laureates (29
according to the university website) are from the Cavendish laboratory and benefited from Maxwell's work - Rutherford , Crick & Watson (DNA) to name just the best known.

Maxwell was a forward thinker and knew the importance of practical science.
His design for the Cavendish Laboratory was revolutionary and was instrumental in the development of many of the most important 20th century scientists. It is a truly unique and historic building. Possibly one of the most important buildings in Cambridge. It is surely part of the heritage you are trying to preserve.

Please, I strongly object to your plan to develop this building.