Blavatnik School of Government by Herzog & de Meuron

On 06 October, the winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize 2016 will be announced; this is the most prestigious award presented by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) to the buildings constructed over the last year, which significantly contribute to Great Britain's architecture. The project by architects Herzog & de Meuron for the Blavatnik School of Government of the University of Oxford is one of the six finalist projects.
With a geometry that is apparently unusual for Oxford's urban and cultural context, but which, in actual fact, hides precise references to that very context, the building designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron contributes to drawing attention to the nearby historical buildings, and becomes an appealing entrance to the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter.
The RIBA panel pointed out that the entire project is based on the concept of a "frame". It is a window on the world seen from the inside looking out but, at the same time, it is also an intriguing sight to behold from the outside, while its users, the "actors" are on the stage.
The internal layout aroused such great interest, that the Blavatnik School of Government was defined as a "modern cathedral of learning", where architecture is a means to elevate the spirit.

(Agnese Bifulco)

Design: Herzog & de Meuron
Location: Oxford, UK

Images courtesy of RIBA, photo by Iwan Baan

www.architecture.com
www.herzogdemeuron.com

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