The Radcliffe Observatory Quarter

Not since the Bodleian Library opened in 1602, with designated entrances for the ancient disciplines, has there been an opportunity to create an integrated centre for humanities teaching and research in Oxford.

The design of the humanities building is both dramatic and sympathetic to its surroundings, with a series of courtyard spaces reflecting the scale and grain of Oxford’s historic core. The library rises above ground in a wonderful glass ‘lantern’, which will not only permit wonderful views to the Grade II listed Radcliffe Observatory, but when lit at night will also function as a literal beacon of learning. Elsewhere, sunken courtyards will ensure that the library and teaching spaces on the lower floors are flooded with natural light. A suite of new teaching rooms will be created adjacent to the library and, whilst colleges will continue to be the base for tutorial teaching, the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter will become the focus for lectures, classes and research seminars. It will also house an institute for advanced research in the humanities.

The space will be designed to facilitate creative exchange between the different disciplines and offer myriad venues for interdisciplinary and collaborative work, both formal and informal.

Mathematics is central to our understanding of the world in which we live, to our control of the environment, and to the organisation of our society. It underpins science, technology, medicine, economics and government. The preservation and propagation of mathematical culture is essential if civilisation is to flourish, a requirement that goes far beyond the simple recording and transmission of techniques of calculation and analysis.

The Mathematical Institute has a long history of nurturing mathematical culture, by promoting a pervasive understanding of the mathematical way of thought and by supporting the study of mathematics for its own sake. It is home to world leaders in fields ranging from algebra, geometry, logic and number theory to applications in physics, finance, industry, medicine and biology. It has pioneered collaborations with industry and other branches of science, and has been at the forefront in educating generations of undergraduate and graduate students.

It is hoped that the new Mathematical Institute building will be among the first of the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter projects to be completed, and that it will create the intellectual and physical environment in which mathematical culture will continue to thrive and in which teaching and research will enrich each other.

The new building will unite the Mathematics Department in one location, bringing together pure and applied research groups in an environment designed to promote interaction and collaboration. The building is intended to accommodate the whole Oxford community of mathematicians, with spaces for informal conversation, as well as seminar rooms, lecture halls and social areas.

The last 30 years have seen the study of Art take its rightful place as a vital element of the Oxford intellectual community. In 1871, artist, critic and philosopher, John Ruskin, first opened his School of Drawing, hoping to develop a course for the University leading to a degree in Art. Ruskin’s dream was finally achieved in 1978, when the University recognised Art as a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree course. The Ruskin Laboratory, which coordinates many aspects of the School’s research, has developed interdisciplinary working relationships within Oxford, and beyond. Distinguished Ruskin alumni include Conrad Shawcross and John Updike.

The Ruskin has previously been housed in the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology and, most recently, on the city centre’s High Street. Now it will at last join the other humanities subjects, with plans to move the Ruskin into the handsome former Outpatients building of the Radcliffe Infirmary.

This Grade II listed building will be rehabilitated and its centre replaced with double height atrium spaces. The proposed facilities include workshops, studios, exhibition halls, a media lab and exhibition spaces.

The architect has designed the sensitive yet dramatic renovation, as well as the new dormitories and teaching spaces for the adjacent Somerville College site.

The new Ruskin School, which will continue its tradition of opening its space to members of the public for exhibitions and classes, will form a welcoming gateway to the entire Radcliffe site. Indeed, beyond its architectural features, the Outpatients building will act as a critical structure uniting the Observatory Quarter as a whole. A central footpath connecting the main courtyard to the east/west link will provide one connection through the Quarter, allowing easy passage through the whole site.

Founded for women in 1879, this remarkable college has produced some of the most famous alumni of any Oxford college, including two Prime Ministers: Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher.

Founded for women in 1879, this remarkable college has produced some of the most famous alumni of any Oxford college, including two Prime Ministers: Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher. In the newest chapter of its history, Somerville will enjoy a high profile at the heart of the new Quarter. The overall development will allow two important new panoramas to be created: a view from the east/west link into the main quadrangle at Somerville, and a view from Somerville College to the Radcliffe Observatory.

Two much-needed student accommodation buildings, as well as new teaching, library and archive spaces, are planned as an expansion of the Somerville College area in the Quarter, and will ensure that Somerville’s facilities reflect the excellence of its students and tutors, and remain competitive with other Oxford colleges.