Wright & Wright Architects have completed the final phase of the redevelopment of St. John’s College in Oxford. The London-based firm, aimed to bridge a gap of around 30 years—the time it took for the project to be completed. The new transformation rejuvenates and expands the college’s facilities while preserving its rich historical heritage. The final stage of this project witnessed the restoration of two libraries and the iconic 17th-century Canterbury Quadrangle along with the construction of a study centre which is an elegant addition to the historic assemblage of buildings at Oxford.
Project Details:
Name: St. John’s College, Oxford
Location: Oxford, UK
Year of Completion: 2023
Architects: Wright & Wright
Structural Engineer: Price & Myers
M&E Consultant: Max Fordham LLP
Acoustic Consultant: Max Fordham LLP
Quantity Surveyor: Peter Gittins & Associates LTD
Project Manager: AA Projects
CDM Coordinator: Goddard Consulting
Approved Building Inspector: Oxford City Council
Main Contractor: Stepnell
Historical Context:
St. John’s College, one of the oldest and most esteemed colleges in the University of Oxford, was established in 1555. It has a rich architectural history that is influenced by its transformation and development over the decades resulting in structures that represent the altering ideologies and aesthetics of different eras.
St. John’s College’s identity has evolved over time. Contributions from renowned architects have each left their own unique mark on the campus. From Arup Associates‘ bold modification of the ancient quad to Richard MacCormac’s delicate restoration of heritage structures, these architectural interventions have enriched the college’s architectural tapestry.
Overview:
The master plan for St. John’s College has three key phases. Phase I interconnected the historic areas of the site, which were later developed as the Library and Study Centre in Phase II. The third and final phase, a decade-long project, involved the restoration of the 16th-century Old and Laudian libraries and the repair of the 17th-century Canterbury Quadrangle.
Along with restoring the quadrangle, Wright & Wright replaced the original Bletchingdon marble columns with carboniferous limestone, which is more durable and would enrich the architecture of the historic quad, according to the studio.
The Study centre is accessed by the 15-metre-long Otranto passage through the Quadrangle. The passage, which was a forgotten storage space, was redesigned to encourage more student footfall in the quad and improve overall accessibility.
Historic Libraries:
The Laudian Library, named after William Laud, connects to the study centre opened in 2019. The idea was to create more connections between the old and new parts of the campus. The libraries were upgraded in terms of lighting, heating, electrical systems, and insulation to reduce energy usage. It consists of three levels of library space, which beautifully engages with surrounding gardens. The Library has access to hard copy media, digital media, and rare collections, including interactive spaces. With its 12 new reader seats, seminar rooms, and inner courtyards, it allows gathering spaces and interactions.
The seating arrangement was enhanced by adding timber desks, while restoring the space’s dramatic ceiling truss. In addition, the old library containing centuries-old collections of books was protected from sunlight by inserting wooden-edged double glazing with internal blinds and UV filters.
The Study Centre, Phase II of the project, resembles a stone casket, with a complex section and thick-skinned walls that sculpt moderate light, giving each space a distinct character. The overlapping planes of masonry and glass offer views of the surrounding President’s Garden.
The impressive carving on the external and internal surfaces was designed by artist Susannah Heron, partly inspired by the original Baroque carvings in the Quadrangle. Drawing on Jungian archetypes, the artwork titled “Stone Drawing” by Heron suggests that certain patterns and rhythms resonate deeply with human consciousness, evoking an abstract, dreamlike realm. Carved onto the irregular grid of a stone wall, Heron’s work blends ornate and organic elements with the geometric lines of the architecture. By utilizing the shifting light on the west-facing wall, the lines seem to recede and shadows transform throughout the day.
Additionally, Wright & Wright collaborated with various artists, craftspeople, and conservators. Art pieces such as Kristy Brooks’ glass in the Otranto passage, Tapestries by Susan Morries and Mary Lum in the new Library and Study Centre.
The successful redevelopment of St. John’s College underlines the power of collaboration among diverse ideologies and experts to achieve greatness. This modern and sustainable transformation not only preserves the original heritage value but also seamlessly integrates contemporary elements. It is truly a masterpiece that harmoniously blends the old with the new.
Citations:
Hollannavar, P.S. (2024) Wright & Wright Architects transforms St John’s college in Oxford, STIRworld. Available at: https://www.stirworld.com/see-features-wright-wright-architects-transforms-st-johns-college-in-oxford (Accessed: 08 March 2024).
Wright, W. (2023) St John’s college, Wright & Wright. Available at: https://www.wrightandwright.co.uk/projects/st-johns-college-oxford-phase-iii#overview (Accessed: 08 March 2024).
Wright , W. (2023) St John’s College Library and Study Centre, designed by Wright & Wright, Wright & Wright. Available at: https://www.wrightandwright.co.uk/projects/st-johns-college-library-and-study-centre (Accessed: 08 March 2024).
Slessor, C. (2020) Space to reflect: Wright & Wright’s extension of St John’s College Library, Oxford, The Architects’ Journal. Available at: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/space-to-reflect-wright-wrights-extension-of-st-johns-college-library-oxford (Accessed: 08 March 2024).
architects, intelligence for (2019) Wright & Wright completes Oxford Library, Building Design. Available at: https://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/wright-and-wright-completes-oxford-library/5101814.article (Accessed: 08 March 2024).
