Ivory tower gets a revamp
 
Centre unifies social science research in Oxford
 
 
The new multidisciplinary centre for the advanced study of the social sciences at Oxford University unites several departments to form one of the largest concentrations of social science research in the UK. The façades were realised with an innovative unitised curtain walling system. The pre-fabricated panels contain alternatively fixed glass elements, sandwich panels, automated top-hung vents and manually operated parallel opening vents – the first of their kind in the UK – allowing occupants to regulate natural ventilation.
 
The four-storey building in Manor Road incorporates a library, seminar rooms, lecture theatres, open common areas, and a canteen overlooking the Mill Stream. Circulation is organised around a large, naturally top-lit, central atrium that is the social focus of the building. The flexible office space can easily be reconfigured to allow teams to share research and work together on joint projects.