While I'm aware Oxford is historic and has a classic vibe, I'm curious if any college within Oxford University is known for more modern architecture or amenities?
The University of Oxford spans 43 constituent colleges, each with its unique architectural character. The historic charm and iconic Gothic architecture are quite pervasive, but there are certainly colleges within Oxford known for more modern architectural additions.
Ahmedabad-based Indian architect, BV Doshi's firm designed St. Anne's College's new library, for instance. This is a stunning piece of modern architecture complete with glass walls and a unique, intricate wood framework that lets plenty of light into the space. St. Anne's as a whole is known for a more modern design ethos, reflective of its relatively late founding in 1879.
St. Catherine's College, founded in 1962, can also be considered a showcase of modern architectural design. It was designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen who combined clean lines and open spaces, with uniformity and consistency in architectural design across the buildings.
Linacre College, founded in 1962, is another relatively modern campus with an emphasis on functional, modernist design principles.
Finally, the Blavatnik School of Government designed by Herzog & de Meuron opened in 2016 and is a remarkable example of institutional modern architecture with its circular, glass-windowed structure.
So while the quintessential image of Oxford may be that of historic gothic or neoclassical buildings, there is certainly a variety of modern architectural showcases to explore! Just remember that these newer builds are typically situated alongside older structures, contributing to a unique balance of the historical and the modern within the university's physical layout.
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