Building inauguration
Celebrating the inauguration of Wadham new Undergraduate and Access Centres
Inspirational architecture
Date Published: 20.04.2021
"It's everything we imagined." Project architect Amanda Levete shares her reactions on seeing Wadham's new Back Quad buildings for the first time since completion.
Talking to the Warden, Ken Macdonald QC, AL_A Principal Architect Amanda Levete speaks of her vision for the project and her delight at seeing the buildings for the the first time.
Amanda comments: “What I loved about the whole idea was that this is an investment in the future, an investment in students who aren’t yet here and about how we find the balance between history and modernity…the balance between a building that is aspirational and that feels welcoming and accessible.”
The Warden added: “We wanted something that expressed confidence in modernity, in the 21st century, but which also fitted. This has landed very gracefully – it almost floats. It is quite extraordinary how something as clean and modern as this blends so well with these ancient buildings.”
The development is part of Wadham’s Access to Excellence programme where students are supported at every step of their educational journey, from the moment they consider applying to University, through their time at Oxford and on into their careers.
