The new Academic Wing

Alan Berman, from Berman Guedes Stretton Architects, will deliver a presentation on their inspiration for the new building’s design, and the architectural history of Wolfson. Berman and his colleagues have wanted to match the strong design elements from Powell and Moya’s architectural legacy (the architects of Wolfson’s original buildings) to create a pleasing, functional and impressive new set of spaces.

Professor Dame Hermione Lee on the new Academic Wing:

“For me, it is a dream come true. The architects, Berman Guedes Stretton Architects have made a brilliant, elegant and inspired job of linking the new to the old, creating a striking front face for the College and shaping not just a new building but a new landscape for Wolfson.

The enhanced provision for our community – library spaces, café, offices, lift and lodge – are exactly what we all wanted. The beauty of every detail of the design – from the stair-rails and columns to the Irish limestone paving and the curved benches – is enchanting.  After so many months of planning, talking, designing and building, it’s a deep pleasure to see the new building in use.

I’m profoundly grateful to our donors and patrons, our architects and builders, and to all in the College who have worked so hard, and are still working so hard, to bring the new Academic Wing into use.”

The new Academic Wing will be officially opened on Thursday 10 March 2016. An associated exhibition of photographs and drawings will be on display in the new café for the remainder of the academic year.