Lincoln College Project, Oxford Arts Centre, Design, England, News

Lincoln College Oxford : New Arts Centre Building

New Higher Education Building, UK – design by Stanton Williams Architects

26 Apr 2012

Lincoln College Arts Centre

Stanton Williams’ Arts Centre at Lincoln College, Oxford receives planning permission

Design: Stanton Williams Architects

Stanton Williams’ new Arts Centre for Lincoln College, one of the colleges of Oxford University, has received planning permission.

image from architects

The new Arts Centre consists of the refurbishment and extension of the existing Grade II listed Garden Building, giving it new purpose and meaning whilst improving facilities for, members of the College and the public.

The proportions of the new two storey stone and glass pavilion are informed by the geometry and rhythm of the existing Garden Building and act as a quiet foil to the 1905-06 Read and MacDonald symmetrical facade, whilst also respecting the setting of the adjacent Chapel.

The scheme will create a sequence of fully accessible light filled interior rooms that provide breakout spaces adjacent to the Oakeshott Room and a new Graduate Common Room. The interconnectability of the surrounding gardens and internal spaces will heighten both the quality and versatility of the Garden Building as an arts venue.

The object of the current proposal is to restore both the ground floor and Oakeshott Room to something approaching their original form. The introduction of a new basement will provide toilets, storage and practice room facilities. The close proximity to the College’s kitchens means that events held in the new spaces will be adequately catered for.

Tim Knowles, Bursar of Lincoln College, comments: “Stanton Williams’ design succeeds in fulfilling the requirements of a demanding brief in a restricted and constrained space. Members of the College, and the donors who have generously made this project possible, are excited at the prospect of achieving a significant enhancement to Lincoln’s facilities.”

Paul Williams, director at Stanton Williams explains: “We are delighted that the new Arts Centre has received planning approval. The contemporary extension will re-energise the Garden Building and provide an inspiring setting for the College’s cultural activities.”