Designed by Amanda Levete Architects / AL_A, two new buildings situated at the centre of Wadham College at Oxford University form a new state-of-the-art Undergraduate Centre as well as an Access Centre. Both buildings at their core recognize the importance of social space in today's universities.
Filled with the light, the Undergraduate Centre combines a junior common room with a cafe and bar and plenty of light-filled work areas. The Access Centre offers a place for prospective students to live for several days while visiting the University and forms a support network to encourage students from a wide range of backgrounds to consider a future at the school. The Access Centre includes seminar rooms and a music room at ground level with accommodation on the top two floors.
Says Principal Amanda Levete: “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.”
