"It's a building with no function, that has no program, " Libeskind says.

CNN: September 27, 2012 -- Updated 1709 GMT (0109 HKT)

As part of the plans the cathedral also said it wanted to renovate its gardens and remodel the building's interior, while retaining its primary function as a place of worship.

BBC: Richard III tomb plans revealed by Leicester cathedral

But the Merck-bound scientist's main interest has been in the structure and function of proteins, the building blocks of all living things and the basis for most drugs.

FORBES: Peter Kim To Head Merck's Labs