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Magdalen College Library, Oxford

The college quad is activated but not dominated by the addition

Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects.
Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects. Credit: Dennis Gilbert

Wright & Wright Architects for Magdalen College, Oxford

Contract value: Confidential

GIA: 1,020m²

This project repairs the old Buckler building and adds a new semi-subterranean library to expand and modernise the library facilities. The new entrance and reading rooms are a plinth in the landscape, so the college quad is activated but not dominated by the addition. Carefully detailed oak furniture, book stacks and study areas create a studious atmosphere.

  • Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects.
    Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects. Credit: Dennis Gilbert
  • Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects.
    Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects. Credit: Dennis Gilbert
  • Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects.
    Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects. Credit: Dennis Gilbert
  • Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects.
    Magdalen College Library by Wright & Wright Architects. Credit: Dennis Gilbert
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In the Buckler building a new stair to the old entrance space gives access to a new ‘three-storey’ volume for a book stack, reading room and study areas. For the passive ventilation strategy, old chimneys are used as additional vent ducts: a clever but unobtrusive way of meeting environmental guidance.


Regional Conservation Award


See the other winners of the RIBA Regional Awards 2017 - South

 

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