AL_A has built two new buildings at Wadham College in Oxford, United Kingdom.

This project showcases the two new buildings designed and built for Wadham College. The Access Centre and the Undergraduate Centre find a delicate balance between familiarity and aspiration; between modernity and tradition.

"Social and physical accessibility are championed, emblematic of Wadham’s progressive ethos," said AL_A.

The geometry of the buildings re-establishes the formality of the college quads, making new connections between them. The buildings and curved stone steps create a new social focus for the college – they are distinctly modern but celebrate the historic.

Glazed facades reflect the surrounding textures, patterned frits bring softness and printed interlayers in subtle colours bring warmth.

This project has been longlisted in the education project category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Studio: AL_A
Project: Wadham College
Credits: Arup, Beard, Bidwells, Gleeds, Turnberry, Ridge, Eckersley O'Callaghan, Colorminium, Churchman Thornhill Finch, CRICURSA, United Anodisers, Barn 6 and Johnsons Wellfield