University

15 Oct 09

The University today revealed plans for the two most significant buildings on its new Radcliffe Observatory Quarter (ROQ) – one of the biggest development projects it has undertaken for more than a century.

Plans for the Mathematical Institute, designed by Rafael Viñoly, and the Humanities Building and Library, designed by Bennetts Associates, have been revealed at a public exhibition, held at the Grade II Listed St Luke’s Chapel on the site today and tomorrow and planning permission will be applied for at the end of this month.

They will find new homes on the 10-acre ROQ site in central Oxford, a move that for both subject areas will unite a number of centres and faculties that are currently scattered around the city and provide cutting-edge research and teaching facilities.

Professor Anthony Monaco, Chair of the ROQ Board, said: 'Now the University has successfully obtained planning permission for phase I of the ROQ project, we now turn our attention to phase II, with planning permission being sought for our main two new academic buildings, the Humanities Centre and Library and the Mathematical Institute.

'These projects are at the heart of our academic mission on this site, with fantastic designs by both architects. They offer state-of-the-art research, teaching and study space for faculty and students while offering new avenues through the site, exciting gardens and squares, all with views of the Radcliffe Observatory.'

Plans for the new Mathematical Institute.

Rafael Viñoly Architects’ new Mathematics building will consolidate a department that had been spread across multiple locations, giving it a new focus and identity – one that will balance researchers’ needs for privacy with the increasing importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. It will be the main workplace for over 500 academics and support staff, as well as the centre for the academic life of approximately 1000 undergraduates and a diverse community of college research fellows and lecturers.

The scheme provides the opportunity to accommodate the growing population of the Mathematical Institute in a modern, high performance building that respects and enhances the setting of the adjoining historic buildings.

Rafael Viñoly said: 'We are delighted to be moving forward with the Mathematical Institute. It has been an inspiration working with the mathematicians in shaping a building that will unify their community from undergraduate through to professor and create a new, singular identity for the department.'

Chair of Mathematics Professor Nick Woodhouse said: 'The Oxford Mathematical community has grown in strength and numbers over recent years, but is now spread out over five buildings.  The new Institute on the ROQ site will bring us back together again. We are very excited by Rafael Viñoly’s plan. He has worked in close collaboration with the Institute to design a building that will give our faculty and students a first-class working environment.'

The new Humanities Building and Library, designed by Bennetts Associates, will form the centrepiece of the ROQ development, with the Observatory itself providing a clear focus and identity for the whole quarter. The first phase brings together four faculties – English, History, Theology and Philosophy, plus the general facilities for the Division. Bringing these groups together will create considerable synergy between them, with shared facilities and numerous spaces for networking in addition to the study spaces and individual workplaces required by faculty members.

The project will also provide an integrated library facility for all the eventual occupants of the site, as well as teaching spaces for up to 1500 students, all of which are linked to provide physical and intellectual connections.

Rab Bennetts, Director of Bennetts Associates, said: 'The intention behind this scheme is to extend the spirit of historic Oxford, with quadrangles, gardens, glimpses and vistas. We want to create something that feels calm and restrained, so the new library lantern and the 18th century Radcliffe Observatory can dominate the public realm.'

Head of Humanities, Professor Sally Shuttleworth, said: 'The Humanities Faculties are currently housed in small buildings scattered around Oxford, which are no longer fit for purpose. The new building will offer excellent teaching and research facilities, and bring together undergraduates, graduates and faculty members from across the Division.'

Dr Sarah Thomas, Bodley’s Librarian and Director of Oxford University Library Services, added: 'The Humanities and Maths Library on the ROQ will be a wonderful opportunity to have a 21st century library that fosters community and that is designed to accommodate modern technologies that will complement our rich print collections.'