Homerton College Dining Hall - Design Engine Architects

Homerton CollegeDining Hall CompetitionResponse to Search StatementSeptember 2016



Understanding

I am parked now and the task is one of orientation. A long pristinely clipped hedge presents itself and a campus plan too, on a boardwhich appears to grow out of the hedge. The end of the hedge forms a portal with an opposing brick building. I am on my way. As I followthe meandering pathway, the signs for the Porter’s Lodge which are initially the focus of my concentration, give way to wave after wave ofoverlapping and complimentary landscapes; there are planted borders, there are courtyards punctuated by sculpture and are surroundedby a backdrop of every type of plant you could imagine. This is an oasis for the senses. I’m in a special place, I realise.The buildings mimic a cliff face next to the sea and they stalk my route; the temptation is to get away from them sufficiently to appreciatethem at distance. But I keep to my plan and follow the path against the buildings, passing now a huge tree on my right; its canopydropping close to the ground and covering an area of glade like a giant light-dappled marquee. There is a garden chair in that smalloutside room which has been created below the tree - yet another place of study for an enlightened and eager student, I think.Looking back over my shoulder the gentle but dominating Great Hall sits as a guardian to the contained lawn, whilst offering the securityof its presence to the wider tree and hedge bordered fields beyond. I can't imagine this scene without this building, not only is itmaintaining order over its neighbours; Queen’s Wing, Cavendish and Ibberson, but it is a reminder to the College’s past and a signpost toits ascending and assured future.From the Porters Lodge I explore the campus in reverse. I have either found my way or had been way-founded around the campus, I amunsure which is the case, but my mind is allowed to drift to an appreciation of the atmosphere of the College. Students, staff, parents andlecturers wander across gardens along pathways and between buildings. There is a calm yet purposeful air and you can feel that thesepeople have taken and are maintaining the course of their chosen destinies in this important place of learning. It is noticeably friendly too,and every smile that is raised in my direction is a genuine one, welcoming and unknowingly comforting.I am conscious now that I am again nearing the site for the new dining hall. My mind is alive. We have a basic brief for the dining hall andthe knowledge of the need to make connections, establish and unravel complex relationships and make beautiful technically-competentspaces. But what are the real challenges that lie behind this brief? What are those unwritten components of the brief that will bring thisproject alive and allow this new building to join the Great Hall, Ibberson, Cavendish, and Queen’s Wing in the elaborate and ever-unfolding story of Homerton College?I thread my way through the small group of buildings which form the footprint of the site, noticing as I do significant trees and subtle butpotentially valuable changes in level. Moreover, I realise that I am reaching the end of my Homerton College visit, in so far as my meanderwithin its inner campus space has served me. My senses are telling me that the journey back to my starting point needs a full-stop,something special to book-end and contain my experiences of buildings and courtyards, lawns and fields and sylvan glades and perhaps toguide my way again in the future.A journey through Homerton College. September 2016

thoughts on the building: servicing route from• provide a colonnaded covered way? Harrison Drive• contain a reentrant garden courtyard?• act as a portal to the site?• have a vertical element to indicate its presence?• Views in and out of the building?• relationship with Ibberson?• A book-end to the wider composition? gardens and courtyards reinforced approach views and connectivity with the landscape a new route across the landscape? first impression pointvisitor car parkAbove : The Journey

A world-class facility Love, life and learning Functionality and flexibilityWith its status within the wider Cambridge college At the heart of the brief is the need to provide a In delivering a new dining hall and its supportingcommunity secured by Royal Charter, any project facility for 300 plus diners. functions the shortcoming of the existing Great Hallthat delivers a new building to the campus of can be addressed and with intervention this buildingHomerton College can be seen as a great The experience of dining is regarded as one of the can be re-purposed to provide a further muchopportunity to showcase the uniqueness of the most interactive rituals amongst a community and it needed social, teaching and performance facility forinstitution and to deliver world-class facilities that holds its origins in times past; The banquet at the Homerton College.support the College’s mission and vision; to house of Agathon recalled in Plato’s Symposium,continuously improve its talent, diversity, positivity was the occasion for Socrates’ dialogue on love. To be successful, the transformation of the Greatand principled scholarly community offer. Jewish families have gathered to celebrate life itself, Hall and the development on the dining hall need to eating Passover dinners since the Angel of Death be considered in tandem. Space for developmentNot only would a quality building both improve and spared them in Egypt 3,000 years ago. Christ began within the core of the campus is limited, thereforereflect the offer and values of the College internally, his ministry at a wedding feast and ended it with this project needs to maximise the potential of itsbut it should also become a beacon of external friends at a supper of bread and wine. Each night siting by enabling both buildings to function ininterest, with the potential to attract the attention of during Ramadan, muslim families meet for the Fitr, symbiosis; each building working with the other, toprospective students who are considering a place on the breaking of the fast, involving family and friends. the greater advantage of both.one of its many courses. It would also project a Strangers come too and they are never turned away.message about the importance of the College in the In all, sharing the activity of eating is to celebrate, A key demand on this ambition is that the newglobal Higher Education community, and heightening love, life, learning and nowadays acceptance. kitchen facility which forms a part of the brief for thethe College’s potential to attract a plethora of interest new dining hall, will need to serve the transformedfrom academics and other national and international However, the significance of dining in the company Great Hall. Achieving such flexibility with ainstitutions, who want to share in the opportunities of 299 others may not suit every soul and so the commercial kitchen installation will necessity athat collaboration with Homerton College could bring. environment needs to be responsive to the the detailed understanding of the catering offer that is individual as well as the collective. Creating a being made, so that the detailed design of theStudents have a growing reputation as a most physically comfortable and fully inclusive kitchen and the many processes that happen bothdiscerning group when it comes to their individual environment which also serves to bring a sense of outside of it and within it can work for both scenarios.investment in a university course. The quality of the occasion is a demanding aspect of the brief, but is Furthermore, consideration should be given to thesocial facilities are regarded as one of the key necessary to bring flexibility to the space when it possibility that a function might be programmed inconsiderations when making comparisons and comes to hosting events with varying needs. A the new dining hall and the Great Hallultimately the choice between institutions. This factor typical daytime luncheon may for example be a simultaneously, potentially both requiring a cateringalone demands that significant emphasis is placed relaxed affair with diners coming and going over a service from the same source.on how a building ‘sells’ itself in terms of image, the period of time, whereas, an evening dinner mayquality of its facilities and accessibility both socially demand a certain formality, reflected perhaps in the Delivering a new catering facility requires a detailedand physically as well as in terms of technological attire worn by those participating and atmosphere of understanding of the many processes that supportglobal connectivity. the space they occupy. the output of entertaining. There is a need to give significant consideration to staff and managementOne of many challenges therefore is to create a We recognise that the act of dining is a significant facilities, the means of supplying the kitchens,building which makes a positive contribution to its one during the course of a day at Homerton College. storage of food and other consumables, thesetting, reflects the values and aspirations of the It is an important ‘touchstone’ experience between management and storage of waste, efficient front ofCollege, is arresting in terms of its physicality and the community and also one that enables the core house servicing including the presentation andthe quality of its space and provision of its experience of gathering and sharing to be celebrated serving strategy as well as the management of usedinformation technology and brings empowerment to collectively. To be successful the new dining hall will plates and cutlery. In our experience the mostall of its users, whether they are staff, students , need to emulate but not imitate the Great Hall as the successful dining spaces enjoy the principle ofeducators and visitors. new centrepiece of communal activity. invisible servicing.

Atmosphere and the environment A threshold into learning Timeless and progressive presenceThe multiplicity of activities associated with a large An overwhelming attribute of the College’s selected The joy of a project such as this is the opportunity fordining facility will generate a number of site and the wider campus is its stunning landscaped designers and client to join in a process whichenvironmental extremes. If these extremes are not grounds which frame its external realm. As one should celebrate and harness the aspirations of theproperly tempered and managed, the quality of the moves around the campus the relationship between College and the opportunities presented in the briefdining experience will be severely diminished. building and landscape is constantly varying. The and the site. The outcome should be a facility landscape as a whole has the sensation of a verdant surpassing expectation.The commonest significant noise nuisance green sea lapping up to a coastline consisting ofgenerated in a dining situation arises from cliffs (the buildings) and coves ( the courtyard The new building will sit in a prominent location onconversation, utensils and crockery and kitchen gardens). the campus having presence from within the site andactivity. To bring flexibility there is also the need to the potential to complete an existing architecturalensure good noise ‘colour’ for speeches and music With the exception of one, most of the buildings composition of differing eras by offering a ‘book-end’projection within the space, including features to which form the backdrop to the landscape have to the south-facing range.temper the sound quality for different occasions. above ground level windows, which disconnect one realm from the other. The Ibberson Building is The immediate context of the Ibberson building’sOther issues can arise from over-heating and under- different in that it features windows which drop to to west gable elevation and the courtyard formed inheating, the quality of natural and artificial light ground level. This is an important feature for users of front of the Conference Centre Reception offers bothachieved, fresh air supply and unwanted reflections the building, allowing a full-height view of both the constraint and opportunity as this space forms onefrom glazing. These factors are key components to ground, its landscape of lawns, shrubs, fields, trees of the ‘coves’ in the narrative of landscape andachieve the highest levels of human comfort and and importantly the sky. Horizontal elements in the building. There will be a need to respect andalso when seeking designs which achieve the form of mature and beautiful clipped hedges are respond to the Ibberson and Conference Centrehighest ratings of BREEAM ( A nationally recognised carefully placed in their landscape to frame views buildings and to provide a ‘good neighbour’ to themethod of measuring the environmental impact and and create separation and enclosure. single storey building to the west of the site so as notquality of a building). to blight this development opportunity in the future. The location of the site provides a great opportunityTo overcome these challenges, the skills of the to emulate this unique feature of the Ibberson The elevation to Harrison Drive deserves equalselected consultants will be harnessed in order to building within the new building. It is a generous one attention given its northerly aspect and the fact thatprovide an holistic and cohesive design, where the too, since not only does it bring about the this route is one used by both College users andthinking from each team member will serve positively opportunity to blur the threshold between inside and visitors alike. Two large trees dominate the viewtowards the outcome of the project. By combining outside realms, in the manner that the sea ebbs and from the east but still the presence of the listedthe creative output of the structural engineer, flows onto a beach, but it facilitates an opportunity Ibberson building demands that the new dining hallenvironmental and building services engineer for more relaxed outside dining during better building is carefully designed along this edge. The(commonly referred to as the M and E engineer), weather and thus offers a greater appreciation of the boundary along Harrison drive is perforated withacoustician, and architect the holistic design outside realm as a place for extended socialising accesses for pedestrians and vehicular traffic andoutcome should achieve an exemplary dining and study. this accessibility may be something which needs toexperience. be reviewed given the potential for the northern edge The relationship between building and landscape of the site to be dominated by increased service typeIn the same way that the servicing of the facility brings about further possibilities as the project brief functions to the new building..should be ‘invisible’, so should the integration of all and the site offers enticing possibilities for exploringof the means by which the structural, environmental how the combination of a new building and an The new dining building will become the most recentand acoustic matters which can predominate a large existing landscape can bring reality to the notion of a contribution to Homerton College’s built environmentsingle volume space project such as this building new threshold into learning since the new building and should be both timeless in respect of its settingwould present, should be removed as being obvious can also mark a new entrance and departure and progressive in its architectural ambition.to user consciousness. experience to Western edge of the campus.



Approach

‘The first thing that an architect must do is to sense that every building you build is a world of its own, and that thisworld of its own serves an institution.’ Louis Khan. (1961)As the Lead Consultant and Architect for the new dining hall it would be our task (and pleasure) to guide this complex project from itsbeginnings as an aspiration within the College’s strategic programme, to its ultimate manifestation as a fully functioning, beautiful andempowering contribution to Homerton College’s built environment.We have an overriding philosophy that our buildings should physically engage with the site in such a way that one cannot be imaginedwithout the other. We like to think that this philosophy enters the psyche of the user also and enables the building to become at one withthem too; another friend in their life, comfortably familiar, supporting them and accommodating their emotional and physical needs on adaily basis.We are a practice which approaches each and every project on the basis that it presents a totally unique set of conditions and challenges,never previously seen before and for which there is no precedent or pre-determined resolution to any aspect of the issues presented.By adopting this approach we can assure those around us that no detail, however small, will be overlooked or that we will readily resort toa solution which relies on minimal or no enquiry at all. Every aspect of our projects, big or small, is scrutinised and addressed with equalmeasure. In this way our buildings represent bespoke outcomes, arising from very specific client needs.We cannot do this alone, we need our clients support and value their input as well as that of the professional team that a project such asthis demands. We also have to garner the support of those stakeholders who might have reservations about the potential of such a project.In these circumstances we rely on the strength of our collective thinking and the art of communication to ensure that the stakeholdersreceive clarity and understanding of the reasoning behind the project and the unique opportunity and benefits it will bring.Our open minded approach to our work and that of our preferred team of professionals stands as a reflector of the level of enquiry andexperimentation that exists within the scholarly community which defines Homerton College and which positions it with so much respect,within its wider Higher Education community.We would very much like the opportunity to align ourselves with our clients aspirations and ideals to achieve an outstanding dining hallfacility for Homerton College.

Above: John Henry Brookes Building, Oxford Brookes University (2104) - The delivery of high quality architecture requires exceptional skill, attention to detail and a passionate approach.

Briefing Forming a robust design concept Design Workshops and Client GatewaysThe aim of design is essentially to achieve clarity From the outset we would establish a options for a We want the client to share a role in the project teamfrom a complex set of issues. By understanding the robust design concept, simplifications of a design (the client and professional team) as we know thataspirations of the client and extracting the essence idea to enable the project to be organised and their contribution to the design process is essential.from the brief we are able to deliver buildings that carried through the many design stages that willexceed expectation. follow. But the the design process needs to be managed in order that that gatherings of the client, user groups,In order to capture the many facets of the brief in The design concept is intended to exist alongside professional team and other stakeholders aredetail, we approach brief-taking through a process the practicalities of the brief. Instead the design efficient, progressive and achieve the minimum pre-we call design by dialogue. It is a vital activity concept may focus on a metaphor or other creative requisites of meeting the brief, and achieving theamongst the many that take place, as our narrative approach, which by its nature avoids being client's stated budget intended programme.understanding of the site and the requirements for compromised by practical considerations.project emerge. Our approach to managing the design links to our By developing a creative design concept alongside philosophy of design by dialogue and takes the formOur experience shows that the process of brief- the more pragmatic issues of the brief we are able to of a series of scheduled and where necessarytaking cannot be contained within a particular stage keep the project alive with creative possibilities, unscheduled meetings and workshops involving theof work, rather it is one which evolves and is refined endeavouring to ensure that the design outcome client and the many College user groups with directas the stages of design progress. For example, it possesses unique character, promotes interest from interest in the project.might be possible in the earliest stages to establish a its users and provides a continual source ofnumber of physical attributes in terms of space enjoyment for them too. The purpose of meetings and workshops is torequirements, but finalising the inter-relationship of harness the collective knowledge of the project teamthose spaces may demand much greater dialogue Design concept are used as a creative vehicle in all (client and professional team) and facilitate progressacross a longer period of detailed consultation. of our projects. of the design through a hands-on approach with all interested parties represented. Ordinarily ourBriefing is an activity which cannot be rushed. For the recently completed John Henry Brookes meetings involve ‘live’ communication with those Building at Oxford Brookes University, the complex present, including mediums such as sketch drawingsDesign by Dialogue is a simple but effective method brief for this 25,000 sq. m. building required that key on tracing paper and both computer generated andwhich relies on face to face meetings with the client, elements of the brief could be clearly defined physical models. Through this process we generateconsultants and stakeholders and it is one which we volumetrically within the building. the design, whilst resolving problems collectively.allow to happen without time-limits given that wecannot know the complexity of the project fully, until To achieve this we conceived a centralised Leadership of the design team to achievewe are immersed in the dialogue process itself. rectangular single-volume space which was compliance to the brief, budget and programme interpenetrated by accommodation pegs, each would rest with us as the lead consultant but we alsoThe greatest advantage of brief taking in face to face containing a different part of the brief. The central expect the client to impose certain projectmeetings is that through discourse the character of volume was given over to the social learning spaces milestones focussing on the same issues to bethe client and subtleties of the brief can be teased off which the peg accommodation fed. endorsed by the College’s Governing Body which weout and recorded in the most detailed and accurate know as Gateway Approvals.way. The concept and its development for this project is shown on a following page and a more detailed These approvals, which are usually accompanied byBy this means the personality of the project is account of this multiple award winning building is a presentation from the project team and issuing ofrevealed, enabling design concepts and strategies to given under section 4 ‘Experience’. reports at the appropriate level signify a formalbe properly aligned with the clients requirements and recognition that a particular stage of the project isfor the project to be carried forward through the deemed to be completed and that the next stage candesign stages with robustness and confidence. commence.

At Oxford Brookes University the concept described a single box interpenetrated by accommodation ‘pegs’.Above: Developing a robust design concept is a key early design activity as it becomes the vehicle to carry the project through the design stages.

Workstages Stakeholder and community engagement Director led designTo bring internal control to the design process we Providing accurate and easily understood Director involvement throughout the life of a projectadopt the RIBA Plan of Work 2013. This is a information is the key to establishing positive is one of our practice’s core philosophies and it hasstandard which sets out 8 stages of work (0-7 communication channels with the many interested proved every time to achieve project outcomesinclusive): parties. In addition to satisfying the requirements of which exceed the clients expectation in terms of the the client, the project team will also need to pay level of service anticipated and the quality of the final0 - Strategic Definition significant attention to the needs of the many building outcome. Every project is also supported by1 - Preparation and Brief external stakeholders involved in the process as well a dedicated project architect who has had past2 - Concept Design as the College’s own community. experience of this size and type of project.3 - Developed Design Additional assistant architects, interior designers and4 - Technical Design The list is numerous but will include those interested graphic artists would work on the project according5 - Construction from a statutory compliance aspect; i.e. Historic to need.6 - Handover and Close Out England and Cambridge City Council Conservation7 - In Use Team who will have interest in the Ibberson Building Within each discipline or interested party that is and other consultees associated with the necessary brought into the project whether it be a client user orA series of tasks are relevant to each stage: planning application* including Cambridgeshire a consultant it is important to identify a very clear• core objectives County Council Highways, The Environment Agency hierarchy and communication strategy for the• procurement and key Utilities infrastructure providers. purposes of decision making and for the control and• programme dissemination of project information up and down the• planning Neighbouring property owners and members of the line.• suggested key support tasks College’s community should also be consulted using• sustainability checkpoints community focussed exhibitions and information The role of the project director is multifold but the• information exchanges release (possibly via a dedicated website) which we prime focus is to build a strong working relationship• UK Government information exchanges can make a significant contribution to. with the client and all other key project and stakeholder personalities and ensure thatThe eight stages tend to also signpost key In addition there will be a need to engage with the enthusiasm and a strong team morale is maintained.programme milestones for the project, for example design team who will be involved in the Great Hall The relationship that is built will ensure a thoroughthe completion of work stage 3 also tends to signify re-purposing project. The cross-project interface working knowledge of the multiplicity of issuesthe point at which planning and listed buildings between their work and that of the dining project will surrounding the project such that the director canapplications are made. The end of stage 4 tends to demand close co-operation at all work stages. It is guide the design process, steer resource andsignify the issue of detailed tender information to possible that conflict in terms of design direction will constantly monitor and adjust issues surrounding theselected principal contractors. occur as each team will undoubtedly identify certain output of the design team in terms of programme key requirements that are at odds with the other and alignment with the project budget.We would anticipate that within the structure of the project. Should this occur we will need to take stockplan of work the client would want to introduce the of the merits of each situation in order to agree what We expect that each of the consultants identify aaforementioned key gateway approvals, where the direction is best to achieve the best outcome as a person who takes similar responsibility for their ownCollege’s governance of the project would define whole. As with the internal design process we would discipline in order that any issues arising can bepoints in the process to sign-off design, expenditure expect a series of meetings, workshops and dealt with at senior level, quickly and effectively.and other internal matters so that the project can presentations to be held and this would entail the Working across projects (dining hall and Great Hall)proceed to the next gateway. Ordinarily these will production of reports including specialist reports, will require a degree of sensitivity where the Collegeoccur to coincide with the completion of the RIBA drawings and models. itself will become the conduit between the variouswork stages and so tie in the professional teams disciplines involved. Our anticipated project strategyprogress, with the programme and the College’s own * We would be recommending to the College that a pre-application process is is outlined in a diagram on the opposing page.internal working arrangements. undertaken ahead of any planning and listed building applications.

Governing Homerton College Client • Estates Body Team Management Project Direct individual • Catering Manager appointments with • Student Union • Finance client • Fundraising • Human Resources • Etc. Internal user groups Direct dialogue with client team and client user groups Architect and lead consultant /PD (TBC) Professional Direct dialogue team with professional Structure TBA teamGreat Hall re-purposing project Structural/ Environment/ Landscape Principal Heritage Quantity Catering Civil Eng. M and E Architect Designer Advisor Surveyor Consultant • Historic England Eng. (TBC) • Cambridge University CDM • Cambridge City Council (TBC) • Cambridgeshire County Direct dialogue Project Director (architect/lead consultant) Project lead (consultant) Council with external New dining hall project • Environment Agency stakeholders • Neighbouring Landowners • Etc. External stakeholdersAbove: Project Delivery - strategy diagram.



Team Composition

We want to work with like-minded consultants and we rely on them for their creativity, technical flair, experience and enthusiastcommitment to a project.Where we are the lead consultant we consider ourselves as equals and aim to breed a project culture which captures the very best of all ofour team. Since beginning the practice we have established relationships with many consultants among a broad range of disciplinesrequired to deliver a complex and technically challenging project that the new dining hall at homer ton College presents. Consequently weare particularly careful about the selection of each one, ensuring that size of the practice, its resource and skill base is right for the project.On occasions we have started a project with a new consultant, a practice that we might not have worked with directly before.In this case we have selected a team who we have worked with before as the brief for it demands the most of teams with collectiveexperience and ability to exceed the requirements set by the site and brief . Key considerations for the selection of the team have been asfollows:• Personality and attitude of the key individuals we will be working with.• We have current/previous experience of their work which has proved to be of exceptional quality and at least national if not international reputation.• They share the ability to manage this highly complex and multi-faceted project which will present many technical overlapping challenges.• They share the enthusiasm we have to give our clients buildings which surpass expectation.• They can demonstrate their ability through award -winning projects.• Where issues have arisen they have responded positively and efficiently in order to resolve the matter.• They have a sound business mind which is translated into their actions.Having visited the site and established what are likely to be the key issues we have arrived at a design team composed of the following:• Structural / Civil Engineer _ Heyne Tillett Steel, London.• Environmental / M and E Engineers_Skelly Couch, London.• Landscape Architect_Coe Design, Weymouth.• Acoustician_Sustainable Acoustics, Winchester.Note; We are of the opinion that we do not require the services of a heritage advisor at this stage but would expect to have access to an arboriculturalist, ecologist and possibly atransport consultant in order to meet the requirements of Cambridge City Council’s planning checklist.

Heyne Tillett Steel Skelly and Couch Coe Design Sustainable AcousticsStructural Engineer Environmental / M and E Engineer Landscape Architect Acoustician• HTS are currently working with us on • We were first alerted to Skelly and • We have worked with Coe Design for • We have worked with Sustainable the designs for Charterhouse School’s Couch following the publication of their over fifteen years and they have Acoustics on numerous projects new Science Building (below). Alfriston School Swimming Pool delivered numerous award-winning including the award-winning Student building in 2014. landscape projects with us including the Centre for the University of Winchester,• This project has many similarities to the New British Embassy in Sana’a, Yemen which incorporated a 450 place dining dining hall project, in particular that the • We approached them to see if they (below), Prince’s Mead School and hall and which performs acoustically to design involves working around and were potential candidates for the Cedar Park Housing. perfection. within historic/listed buildings. Winchester College Southern campus project which consists of multiple • Principal Jenny Coe has vast • We are always impressed by their ability• The project is technically challenging buildings (below). experience in soft landscaping flora and to take a design, assess the acoustic and the output from HTS has been an fauna, in particular a skill to understand potential of the spaces and then design exemplary piece of structural design • In addition to seamless M and E design the complexity of bio-diversity presented an acoustic solution which when work. and integration within buildings their by a site. implemented achieves precisely the particular expertise lies in establishing desired outcome.• The drawings and specifications are of robust site-wide strategies for projects • Coe Design match their creative design the most detailed level, given great where new buildings are being added to ability with a great skill in bringing new • They are currently working with us on confidence to client and design team an existing campus situation, as is the and existing landscapes together with the concert hall refurbishment for alike. case at Homerton College. seamless harmony. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and produced a beautiful and unexpected• In 2011 HTS completed their first recital quality acoustic at our Radley building with us, the award-winning St College Clocktower Court project Alphege’s for University of Winchester. (below). ST CROSS ROAD KINGSGATE ROAD NORMAN ROADAbove: Summarised Design Team selection considerations.

Design Engine Architects - ArchitectureRichard Rose-Casemore, Richard Jobson and Rodney If successful we would be able apply a rangeGraham formed Design Engine Architects as a of in-house skills and services to thePrivate Limited Company in December 2001. Homerton College Dining Hall project. Architecture: We have an expertise and a passionDesign Engine Architects deliver award-winning for designing modern architecture in the context ofnational design service from its Winchester studios. historic listed buildings. At Radley College we built between four existing buildings linking each to theThe practice undertakes work in most sectors, including new building at every floor level. The project won anprimary and secondary education in the public and RIBA Award, a Civic Trust Award and an Oxfordprivate sectors, further and higher education, public Preservation Trust Award in 2014.buildings, transport infrastructure and public and private Interior Design: We have dedicated architects whohousing. Projects are increasingly being realised in specialise in interior design. This will form ahistoric settings. significant component of the project requiring input in catering furniture and equipment, surface finishes,Design Engine's projects are designed and delivered by dining furniture, lighting, colour, fabrics anda dedicated team of staff, who offer a first-class quality coordination of all services including IT. At Johndriven service to its clients. The practice has a wealth of Henry Brookes Building 10 % of the overall budgetexperience working on new buildings but also within addressed the interior of the building.sensitive historic settings and with construction budgets Graphics: Signage and way-finding is an importantranging to date from £0.5 million - £85 million in value. facet of interior design. We have two fully trained graphics designers who will assist with any brandingDesign Engine's work holds the synthesis of high requirements as well as the production of anyquality design and sustainability as a core value and specialist publications or prints for both publicconsequently many completed projects have been consultation or internal community engagement. Wehonoured with awards, including RIBA Stirling Mid-list, also design websites, enabling a dedicated website toan RIBA International Award, the LEAF (Leading be created specific to the project.European Architects Forum) Sustainability Award and CGI and physical models: We build our own CGIsnumerous RIBA, Civic Trust, RTPI and BCI awards and and physical models. Often they are used as tools forcommendations. The Practice has received 48 Design design but also are invaluable during consultationsAwards since 2001. and for making planning applications. All of our projects are accompanied by CGIs and physicalCurrently the practice employs 36 people which models.includes 22 qualified architects and 9 assistant Contract Administration: We have extensivearchitects. knowledge of many different forms of procurement. Should a traditional contract be chosen as the Design Engine Architects were awarded RIBA preferred route our project architects are fully Architect of the Year Award (South Region) and trained in the Contract Administration role. received RIBA Building of the Year Award (South Region) 2014.

Radley College - Clocktower Court Lead for Homerton College dining project Should we be successful in competition we will formalise our team going forward to the appointed design stages but the Project Director for both phases would be Rodney Graham. Rodney has assembled all of the documents on this competition to date. Rodney has extensive experience in education design where new buildings are to placed next to or in connection with existing historic and listed buildings. He was responsible for the refurbishment of the Examination Schools and Ruskin School of Art for Oxford University, including the insertion of a new stair and lift core between both and more recently the multiple award-winning Radley College Clocktower Court, which included a history/politics teaching faculty, art gallery, social centre and cafe and won in competition in 2010. He is an examiner in Professional Practice for RIBA affiliated Schools of Architecture and a BRE Registered Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor. Currently he is designing a series of new dining, classroom and theatre buildings for Prince’s Mead School all which physically engage with the adjacent grade 2* listed Worthy Park House. (Below). Princes Mead School

Heyne Tillett Steel - Structural / Civil EngineeringHeyne Tillett Steel is a London-based structural engineering practice with areputation for intelligent design and innovative, practical solutions. Our work spansall major building-types, predominantly in the commercial, residential andeducational sectors, and we have a strong portfolio of work and excellent trackrecord involving award winning educational buildings. HTS have an establishedrelationship with Design Engine and were recently involved with the RIBA and CivicTrust award winning Winchester University building, which is part on an ongoingmasterplan to upgrade existing and create new buildings across the entire campus,as well as work to improve existing buildings and create a new extension atCharterhouse School.Established in 2007 by directors Andy Heyne, Mark Tillett and Tom Steel, thepractice now has over 80 staff members and works with many of the UK’s leadingdevelopers and architects. We embark on each project in an energetic,collaborative and proactive manner, with directors closely involved in all aspectsfrom concept through to construction. The firm prides itself on delivering efficient,carefully-considered designs and always strives to use its client’s money wisely.The starting point on all of our projects is to ascertain an understanding of thestructural constraints and possibilities in conjunction with the architects’ and clients’vision for the scheme. We undertake rigorous investigations to reveal the structuralpotential of each site. This allows us to maximise the potential within existing andnew buildings, through careful detailing and improving the quality of space. HTShas over 1500 projects built or currently under construction, providing our teamwith extensive on site experience and familiarity with a wide range of constructionmethods. This in-depth understanding, proves invaluable during the designprocess, in resolving technical issues and when developing sustainable, innovativesolutions.Our aspiration is to remain at the forefront of structural analysis and technicalexcellence, and we employ a flexible and thorough approach to each project. HTShave used Autodesk Revit as our primary BIM (Building Information Modelling)platform since we started in 2007 and work in 3D on all of our projects. We useour models from the earliest stages of design and throughout the constructionprocess to communicate our designs to our clients and the rest of the team. Ourexperience with using Revit means that we are very comfortable working in a BIMenvironment. We have undertaken a large number of projects to BIM level two,collaborating with architects, other consultants and clients alike. Highgate School,

Channing School Lead for Homerton College diningUniversity of Winchester - St Alphege’s project Andy Heyne will be Director in charge of the project for HTS. He will have overall responsibility for the delivery, project overview and coordination of the structural engineering team, and will participate in all presentations and meetings with the lead architect, Design Engine. Andy has over 20 years’ experience as a London-based structural engineer and has considerable expertise in undertaking exemplar projects of considerable architectural merit. He has worked with the UK’s leading architects having started his career at Alan Baxter & Associates and Price & Myers, and co-founded Heyne Tillett Steel in 2007. Andy considers his best attribute to be his strong technical skills, having successfully delivered award-winning projects using an expansive array of structural materials and responses, and where both appropriate and beneficial is always keen to innovate by incorporating new materials, technologies and ideas. He is currently working on The Pears Building, a new £42 research laboratory facility and patient hotel for Royal Free Hospital and University College London with Hopkins Architects. Other prominent schemes include alterations to the existing listed buildings at Charterhouse School including the museum, lecture theatre and science block buildings as well as a new build extension; a new nursery building at St Elizabeth Primary School with SCABAL Architects; and the restoration and contemporary refurbishment of Grade II listed Battersea Arts Centre with Haworth Tompkins. Other educational and cultural clients include St Lukes C of E School, Science Museum London, International Presbyterian Church Ealing, London Business School and University of Winchester with Design Engine.

Skelly and Couch Environmental / M and E EngineersSkelly & Couch is a dynamic firm of award-winning building environment and We have considerable experience of education and public building projectsservices engineers based in north London. Directors Tristan Couch, Mark Skelly which are very similar to Homerton College Dining Hall. They all demonstrateand Mark Maidment lead a highly talented team of multi-skilled, specialist outstanding design solutions meeting the requirements of innovation,engineers. flexibility,The practice has grown steadily over the past eight years through mainly repeat inclusivity and operational excellence.business, and employs 35 people. The company’s primary market focus is to • Brighton College Music School and Theatre – an exemplary, BREEAMprovide fully co-ordinated, sustainable designs for bespoke projects with aconstruction value between £1m to £35m. ‘Excellent’-rated project achieving significant energy savings, phased plant replacement and renewables and integrated lighting design withinOur projects have won many architectural and sustainability awards, including nine an historic site.2015 RIBA Regional Awards and a 2015 RIBA National Award (Alfriston School • RHS Wisley – A new hilltop, international science, visitor and exhibitionPool). Skelly & Couch won the prestigious Association for Consultancy and pavilion building within celebrated gardens.Engineering (ACE) 2015 Building Services Excellence Award and was named as • ORTUS learning and events centre – Inspiring, multi-award-winning andone of the construction industry's top 50 employers in Building magazine's Good multi-use learning hub promoting mental health.Employer Guide 2015. The firm has achieved ISO 9001 accreditation and ISO • St Hilda’s College Oxford – Riverside pavilion and college gateway with14001 certification for environmental management. social/conference spaces and teaching rooms. • Cornwallis North East, University of Kent – A new, flexible building forApproach to Design teaching and research on the Canterbury campus. • Savile Road Campus, New College Oxford – New studentWe apply our specialist skills as designers and detailed knowledge of building accommodation and conference/lecture theatre facilities.physics (acoustics, lighting and thermodynamics); building technology; buildingservices; and environmental psychology, to the wholly collaborative process of Alfriston School Swimming Pooldesigning buildings. We do this in a way that empowers the architect and client tomake informed design decisions, leading to the best possible built environmentwithin the specific project constraints.All our engineers are trained in every aspect of building environmental design andwe do not divide ourselves into separate disciplines, such as mechanical,electrical, lighting, sustainability and public health. In addition, our engineersproduce their own drawings and are trained to work in a 3D BIM environment asappropriate.Expertise and ExperienceWe have considerable experience of education and public building projects whichare very similar to Homerton College Dining Hall. They all demonstrate outstandingdesign solutions meeting the requirements of innovation, flexibility, inclusivity andoperational excellence.

Cambridge Mosque - sun path analysis (below) and interior (above). Lead for Homerton College dining project Tristan Couch has a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering from the University of Melbourne and a MEng in Civil Engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. After working for three years with a structural engineering practice in Australia, he joined the Max Fordham practice in 1997, becoming a partner in 2001. He was Partner in Charge of Young Vic Theatre, the National Theatre Studio (including a close control archive to house the National Theatre’s media archive); and the London Library (amalgamation of seven listed buildings into one, including a close control rare book stack and two passive ventilation book stacks). Tristan’s projects at Skelly & Couch include the RIBA National Award- winning Jerwood Gallery in Hastings; Command of the Oceans, the new visitors’ centre, exhibition space and environmental improvement works at Grade I-listed The Historic Dockyard Chatham; a major refurbishment of the Grade II Battersea Arts Centre; the refurbishment and extension of the Grade II*-listed Chichester Festival Theatre; and the new-build RIBA East Award-winning High House Artists’ Studios in Purfleet. He has recently completed the refurbishment and extension of the Vajrasana Retreat Centre for the London Buddhist Centre, shortlisted for a 2016 World Architecture Festival Award. He is presently working on the new Tower Bridge Theatre in progress, London’s first major theatre in 20 years, with a 900-seat auditorium. Tristan has extensive experience of higher education and education projects, including the Caryl Churchill Theatre at Royal Holloway London; and his present work on a new performing arts centre at The Perse School, Cambridge.

Coe Design - Landscape Architecture Lead for Homerton College dining project Coe Design specialises in making places for people, making landscapes and making places for versatility. The practice has expertise in landscape Jennifer Coe is the principal and founder of Coe architecture, masterplanning and urban design. Founded by Jennifer Coe in Design Landscape Architecture with over 20 years 1998, the studio has built a reputation for innovative and imaginative experience in the public and private sector. contemporary design. Prestigious awards include the AJ/Bovis Design Coe Design leads significant projects and works collaboratively with multi- Award at the Royal Academy and in 2000 the disciplinary teams of leading architects, engineers and consultants on all scales Stirling Prize winning entry for Peckham Library of projects. We have delivered education schemes within the UK and and Media Centre by Alsop and Störmer. In 2010 internationally.   The studio has a proven track record in design excellence, Coe Design was part of the design team that won acknowledged in our multiple award winning schemes. We provide an innovative the RIBA Sorrell Foundation Schools Award for St and holistic approach that is balanced with the demands of project programmes Luke’s CE Primary School in Wolverhampton. and budgets. Jennifer has established good and enduring   working relationships with notable architects, Education clients and design team members and regularly   receives repeat commissions. We undertake to design for the creative use of outdoor spaces for adults, students of all ages and children and we are committed to the concept of outdoor She has been a visiting tutor at Universities and is learning and the integration of external and internal learning places. on the accreditation committee for Kingston By understanding and analysing the cultural significance, landscape character University’s Landscape Architecture course. Our and natural context of sites we aim to create environments that have a locally work has been exhibited at the RIBA Future Cities distinctive sense of place and vibrant ecological setting.  and Sustainable Cities exhibitions. We have delivered educational projects across the country for universities, schools for local authorities and the private sector. Our experience in delivering phased development on existing sites has enabled education buildings to continue to operate successfully during construction, assisting in an efficient move to the new build prior to project completion. Principles of sustainability drive the design throughout the project. Initially, holistic site planning enables an enhanced environmental performance and sustainable function of buildings and landscapes. Micro-climate planting and drainage principles aim to create harmonious, ‘self- sufficient’ sites that thrive whilst minimising reliance on external resources. The role of the site within a larger ecosystem is also acknowledged. Low energy construction and maintenance is achieved through the specification of locally sourced, sustainably certified, renewable and recycled materials. British Embassy, Sana’a,

Sustainable Acoustics - Acousticians Our philosophy for how we use acoustics to deliver sustainable acoustic design is set out below. We at Sustainable Acoustics deliver solutions for a sound future that protect people from our noisy world, enhance our environments using sound and connect Protect – Reducing the impact of unwanted sound (or noise) to enable the people with their environment, each other and with good design. intended ac9vity to be possible without unacceptable intrusion. Over a period of 14 years, The English Cogger LLP developed an established reputation for providing a high quality, efficient and reliable service with an Enhance – Iden9fying sound that can have a posi9ve effect on health & innovative response to design problems. We have built on this foundation in the wellbeing, and mankind’s connec9on with place and society. way that we deliver our business, and have evolved in response to the changing needs of our clients and urgency in delivering sustainable development and over Connect – Crea9ng links with other humans and nature through acous9cs, and the last three years build a strong reputation in education acoustic design, and the showing stewardship by promo9ng the concepts of sustainable design. associated spaces. We believe in providing a service based on excellent acoustic advice and high Lead for Homerton College dining project standards, and doing so in a way that values our staff’s expertise and rises to the challenges of our clients but does not undermine the chances of future Louise Conroy is a senior consultant and a member of generations. the Institute of Acoustics, and has been involved in acoustic consultancy since graduating from University of Winchester - Food Hall Southampton University’s Institute of Sound and Vibration Research in 1990. Working with Arup Acoustics, she was involved in a variety of building and environmental projects After maternity leave , Louise joined The English Cogger Partnership (now rebranded as Sustainable Acoustics Ltd), on a part time basis and has since been involved in a variety of projects, including numerous large and small scale school and college projects, which include refectory and dining halls; incorporated Bayeaux tapestry acoustic panelling, for Broomwood Hall School in Clapham London; the food hall and student union support facilities including foyers and learning cafes for the University of Winchester. More recently she has worked on The refurbishment of the Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, Bournemouth and Poole North Campus new build, which incorporates large open plan foyer areas used for eating and dining; and Capron House- South Downs National Park Visitor and conference centre.



Experience

Every project is different.The following two projects are totally different. However, between them they share themes which we think reflect the issues that facehomerton College in pursuit of their new dining hall building.The first project is Clocktower Court, Radley College. Completed 2013 (£4.2 million contract)We have chosen to highlight this project because of its siting within the confines of historic and listed buildings. The project consists a newHistory and Politics Faculty building, social centre/cafe and new art gallery. The adjacent Rackets Court is a Thomas Jackson building andis listed Grade II. The site represented one of the few obvious remaining development sites within the campus and being centrally located wasof great importance to the College for both its civic potential and the opportunity to develop state of the art facilities which would projectRadley College forward in terms of its educational and pastoral offer. The proximity of the existing buildings presented both planning andpractical issues. Our proposal was for a timeless but very modern building which we engineered to sit between the four existing buildingsmanaging to connect each building to the facility on both ground and first floors. The building has four different elevations to manage thediffering existing building adjacencies and used very recent timber and concrete technology to aid construction and the environmentalperformance of the building.The building received the following awards: RIBA Award 2014, Civic Trust Award 2014 , Oxford Preservation Trust Award 2014The second project is the John Henry Brookes Building (JHBB), Oxford Brookes University. Completed 2013 (£85 million contract)We have chosen to highlight this project owing to the contribution that the interior design of the many catered social learning spaces make tothe experience of the building and the relationship of these spaces with adjacent landscape spaces. Key to the design was the encouragementof social interaction and accessibility for all. The landscape being an important aspect of the this concept since we wanted both the interiorand exterior of the building to be valued in equal measure. At JHBB we were appointed to design a multiplicity of interiors including a veryspecial 296 cover flexible dining facility. The new dining space does not have the loftiness of the Great Hall at Homerton College as the sitingof the dining hall on a corner of the campus was deliberately chosen to exploit magnificent views across the adjacent fields and tree linedgardens therefore had impact constraints when viewed from afar.The building received the following awards: RIBA National Award 2014, Mid-listed for the Stirling Prize 2014, RIBA South Building of theYear 2014, Shortlisted for the World Architecture News Education Building of the Year.Both projects are explored further in the following pages.

Radley College - Clocktower CourtProject: Clocktower Court - Social Centre/ Cafe, History Client: and Po litics Fac ulty, Art Gallery Radley CollegeLocation: Abingdon £4.2 millionConstruction value: Approx 2,100 sqm Traditional JCTFloor area: May 2009 September 2013Contract form: David Anderson (Estates Bursar) ArchitectureAppointed: Interior Design Lead DesignerProject completed: Contract AdministrationClient contact: Services provided by DEA: Principal elevation to Clocktower CourtTo achieve an elevation which sits comfortably with its neighbouring buildings we CLT roof shells in locationanalysed the structural logic of the listed Rackets Court and established that itwas fortuitously built on a brick module grid dimension of 3650mm.This dimension became a key factor in the scheme as it developed and featuresas the grid dimension for the new building. This creates an almost unseenharmony in elevational and scale terms with the elevations of the existingbuildings, which during close face to face consultation undertaken at the earliestmoment, both Historic England and the Local Authority Conservation officerfound to be an appropriate and acceptable concept with which to develop theproject (see plan overleaf). Their endorsement of this simple mathematicaldevice enable the project to pass both planning and Listed Buildings Consentwithout objection.Because the building had a series of very different functions under one roof,there were inevitably conflicts built into the brief. Usage patterns alonedemanded differing heating and lighting regimes for different spaces and inparticular the potential for noise nuisance between the social space and teachingspaces and art gallery were cause for detailed enquiry. A combination of heavymass in the structural floor system (pre cast pre-finished exposed planks) andcross-laminated timber roof shells (also self-finished and exposed) significantlycontributed to levelling out the heating demands between spaces andsignificantly reduced both airborne and structurally carried sound, whilst offeringexcellent sustainable characteristics and speedy construction (see right).

The use of the cross-laminated timber technology brought additional benefits to theproject since it was a self-finished product and therefore negated the need foradditional finishes such as plaster and paint decorations internally. This wasparticularly beneficial given that they formed the roof structure and soffit as it meantthat the need for long term maintenance using tower scaffolding etc. was eliminated.The cross laminated shells brought further advantage in that they were erected onsite using a crane within a period of three weeks and this allowed the contractor togain an early watertight date for the building in order to commence internal first fixservices and fair-faced internal brickwork. The latter item was chosen to reflect thefact that we had internalised the east elevation of the Rackets Court but also to takethe benefit of a maintenance free and highly robust wall surface, requiring no futuredecorations. RIBA Award Citation 2014 This open-plan building is interesting in that it features access from adjacent buildings at different levels; the design addresses some important operational issues which have existed for some time for the college. The result is highly successful.Gallery space next to listed Rackets Court It is a highly imaginative building in brick and glass with good use of passive ventilation. There are some interesting spaces and junctions, cleverly applied to existing historic buildings. It is very good value for money; given the scale, tight site and large communal spaces, and it fits in well, replacing older awkward buildings. The modern design uses scale and materials to fit well with the surrounding listed features. This represents intelligent enclosure of spaces between existing buildings to create café/performance space (unexpected), galleries and teaching spaces.The design demonstrates good use of modern and traditional materials; it has good acoustics and is an attractive addition to a group of buildings at the heart of campus. Confident creation of space encourages unforeseen use; exceeding what the client anticipated. Good access is provided throughout, as well as encouragement of interaction in public spaces and increasing opportunities for public use. Although it has a strong commitment to environmental performance, it still uses a simple technology with passive ventilation/ cooling. It had the lowest demand for heating and cooling out of all the projects we evaluated.

As with all of our buildings we were searching for a design solution which offeredmaximum environmental performance at minimal cost. In addition to the heavymass we developed a natural ventilation system, reliant on incoming low-levelfresh air (either at external air temperature during summer or pre-heated with fancoils in winter) and a series of ventilation and light stacks which also broughtnatural light into the classroom and social spaces. This has proved to work soeffectively that energy consumption within the building is so minimal that it hassurpassed everyone’s expectations and has lowered the overall campusaverage consumption significantly.Social space from first floor showing self-finished CLT roof shells internally In-house presentation model. The building has received the following awards: • RIBA Award 2104 • Civic Trust Award 2014 • Oxford Preservation Trust Award 2014

Oxford Brookes University - John Henry Brookes BuildingProject: John Henry Brookes Building The catering offer within the new building consisted of a range of outlets includingClient: Oxford Brookes UniversityLocation: Headington Campus, Oxford the central dining facility. This was located, just like Homerton College’s project site,Construction value: £68mFloor area: Approx. 20,000 sq.m on the corner of the campus, benefitting from exceptional views to a parklandContract form: NEC3 Option A (with amendments) setting. Appointed: Summer 2007Start on site: January 2011Project completed: January 2014Client contact: Paul Inman (Pro Vice- Chancellor))Services provided by DEA: Architecture Interior Design Lead Consultant Lead Designer Supervisor under the NEC contract Site Architect FF&E DesignerDesign Engine won the commission, for what was at the time a brief for a studentservices building, back in the summer of 2007. This was in the context of theUniversity’s Space to Think initiative that identified a critical need for the University tore-imagine its built estate. Very quickly after appointment we identified the opportunityto bring together many more elements than just student services to create a singlebuilding, which would contain all of the common student facilities. In doing so weargued the University would create a ‘critical mass’ of services that would result in atransformative environment. Also that this new building would finally provide learningand teaching facilities, as well as support services, appropriate to the high academicstanding of the institution. At the core of the concept is the ambition to bring cohesionto a disparate campus. Key to this ambition was the creation of a central heart to thecampus, something that did not exist at Oxford Brookes.The space became known as the Forum; a glass box housing a new social learning The 296 cover dining spacespace into which various ‘pegs’ of accommodation penetrated. Each of these pegscontained different functions including the library, student services, careers,centralised catering (a dining facility) and students’ union as well as the new mainreception. All of the social spaces were catered in some way - Floating within thisspace is a new main lecture theatre. It was located close to the main reception so asto work well for public lecture but also prominent, as a symbol of the core relationshipbetween teaching, socialising and learning. The external landscape relationship withthe Forum and the many social spaces was a critical part of the ‘peg’ concept and waslargely delivered as a series of courts captured by the existing 1960’s buildings butwhich had openings towards wider and more natural landscape spaces.

The Forum is the main social learning space within the building The project demanded very close collaboration with the many University sub-teams, each which represented a particular facet of the buildings many functions. Whilst the Estates Management Team would oversee the consultation process to ensure proper coordination between the ‘boundaries’ of the numerous interests, we would meet as often as required with people from Catering and Conferencing, Libraries, Student Union etc. to fine tune the detail of their particular interests in a workshop format. A key part of the process was to make external visits to sites who had similar recent facilities. Extensive visits to other other Higher education providers were undertaken as a seeing and learning exercise. This proved to be particularly useful when it came to the catered social spaces as we noticed that spatial arrangements, the format of equipment and inadequate material robustness, had a very detrimental impact on the quality of the experience for provider and user, in what were often very recently delivered projects. These visits were very useful points of reference and in the case of Homerton College’s dining hall project we would support this approach again. To bring further experience to those areas which had a catering element the University appointed catering consultants Tricon, with whom we worked very closely. They were able to advise in the case of the main dining kitchen on the latest available technology as well as the most efficient and cost effective way to layout and operate the back of house facilities. Critical to their input was the need to understand the nature of the offer being proposed and further consultation was undertaken with the University’s catering provider Chartwell, to establish capacity of spaces versus back of house facilities and the nature of the catering distribution requirements e.g servers counter based provision versus silver service.

From understanding capacity and layout of spaces, the next focus would be on furniture, fittings, finishesand materials. This is a relatively new University by comparison to the Oxford University college’s and theclient’s aspiration was to reflect this with modern and light-filled interior spaces. Conceptually the interiordesign drew from many strands of influence but a central theme was how the history of the site, essentiallya wooded landscapes predominately featuring oak trees had existed on the site before the original 1960’sdevelopment of the site Oxford Institute of Technology began. The knowledge of the former oak-filled site led us to consider how this memory could be recalled in thebuilding. We developed a series of concept boards which expressed the changing colours of trees as theymove through the various seasons, capturing these in the finishes of the social spaces.In parallel we had a requirement to consider the technical environmental constraints of incorporating largeareas of glazing into the building. Glazing can attract solar gain and glare at some point during the day onall but the most north-facing planes, therefore treatments of various kinds were developed according tospecific orientation. Three particular responses to counter solar gain emerged. One relied on an interlayerof timber louvres between the layers of glazing within the facade, another used externally mounted verticalfins of coloured glass to cut out direct transmission and the third used a ceramic print on the external faceof glazing to act as a solar reflector.In the case of the latter, we took to understanding leaf forms and the cellular structure of the English oaktree, obtaining slides of oak structure from electron microscopes. The patterns that emerged were ideal foruse as ceramic prints since they were fortuitously the right level of density to allow enough natural lightthrough the glass whilst enabling physical views out. The leaf and the cellular structure images becameimportant and symbolic motifs for the project and appeared in various guises around the building.

To be a success the dining hall at Homerton College the design will need toconsider architecture, interiors and landscape in tandem. Homer ton Collegehas exceptional landscape spaces in a range of formats. The JHBB building has achieved its success by understanding how eachlandscape component connects and functions with the other. The landscapearchitects worked closely with the client and ourselves to find appropriateforms of external landscaping which did more than simple exist. They alsooffer spaces where the social and learning process can continue outside.

Design Engine Architects LimitedThe StudiosCoker CloseWinchesterHantsSO22 5FFT : 01962 890111E : [email protected]: www.designengine.co.uk