The Architects
Robert Hooke was not an architect. He was a scientist. However, despite this, Hooke managed to build a remarkable, classical building for the physicians. Hooke was a natural philosopher whose contributions to mathematics, optics, architecture and astronomy made him one of the foremost scientists of the 1600s. Hooke was the curator of experiments at the Royal Society and professor of geometry at Gresham College. In 1665 he published Micrographia, the first bestselling book on popular science.
Less than a week after the Great Fire in 1666, Hooke submitted a plan to the Royal Society for rebuilding London, using a grid pattern to get rid of the twisty medieval roadways and congestion points. Although his grid plan wasn’t adopted, Hooke was appointed as one of three official surveyors approving the rebuilding of the city. He designed several of the new buildings, including the new headquarters for the college.
The Library of the building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, an anatomist, astronomer, mathematician and physicist. Wren became the foremost English architect of the 1600s and notably designed and rebuilt many of the churches that burnt down after the Great Fire of London.