In this competition winning scheme a monumental brick form wraps around two independent structures, separated for acoustic reasons. The two halves are united visually by a simple 45 degree pitched roof with a ridge rooflight. The recital room is expressed externally by three bays of unpenetrated brick, in contrast to the four small square windows and double-height entrance describing the second volume of entrance hall, practice and service spaces. The building has the highest possible acoustic standards, designed by Arup Acoustics, and is one of Oxford’s principal venues for the performance and recording of classical and modern music. In 2000 we were asked to design a new, enlarged foyer space to incorporate a direct and separate means of access onto the stage. The extension is conceived as a lean-to steel and glass structure along the front elevation to the existing music building.
In this competition winning scheme a monumental brick form wraps around two independent structures, separated for acoustic reasons. The two halves are united visually by a simple 45 degree pitched roof with a ridge rooflight. The recital room is expressed externally by three bays of unpenetrated brick, in contrast to the four small square windows and double-height entrance describing the second volume of entrance hall, practice and service spaces. The building has the highest possible acoustic standards, designed by Arup Acoustics, and is one of Oxford’s principal venues for the performance and recording of classical and modern music. In 2000 we were asked to design a new, enlarged foyer space to incorporate a direct and separate means of access onto the stage. The extension is conceived as a lean-to steel and glass structure along the front elevation to the existing music building.
“The JdP is an invaluable hub, not just of college music-making, but of the cultural life of both the university and the city of Oxford.”
