ONE of Oxford University’s most historic and beautiful colleges has been graced with a pair of ultra-modern new additions.
Wadham College, which was founded in 1610, has welcomed the completion of new undergraduate and access centres which, is hoped, will allow the college to broaden access to the university by expanding its work with pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide 24-hour accessibility for students with disabilities.
The new William Doo Undergraduate Centre and Dr Lee Shau Kee Building were designed by award-winning architects AL_A and built by Oxford builders Beard.
Read more: The best new buildings and projects in Oxford
The Access Centre will accommodate visiting school students attending access and outreach events such as summer schools and aspiration days. On the ground floor is a suite of light-filled seminar rooms and a music room while the top floors contain student accommodation. The Undergraduate Centre is a social space combining a junior common room, café and bar and work areas.
Wadham College new buildings, Oxford. Architect: AL_A
Warden of Wadham College, Ken Macdonald QC, said: “These wonderful new buildings make real our twin desires: to reflect the beauty of our ancient site and to symbolise our college’s determination to engage with confidence in the promise of the modern world. The William Doo Undergraduate Centre and Dr Lee Shau Kee Building now stand as graceful and pure marks of our continuing belief in the harmony that exists between learning and beauty, which our quadrangles, lawns and gardens express so well, and which AL_A have captured with such skill and sensitivity.”
Wadham College new buildings, Oxford. Architect: AL_A
Amanda Levete, Principal, AL_A, said: “These two buildings are designed to radiate openness. Modest in scale, but high in aspiration, they express the liberal and egalitarian values of the College and create a sense of belonging for students and staff. Reflecting changes in the way students work and socialise, they are open and transparent, and use the life of the College to animate the buildings.”
Wadham College new buildings, Oxford. Architect: AL_A
The college has 250 graduate students and some 450 undergraduates.
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