Oxford University
A new university department for American history, politics and government (Kohn Pedersen Fox, 2001).
Built on four levels, the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) incorporates a double height reading room on the top levels, with offices and teaching spaces below. The building is sunk into the ground by almost a storey, to lower the roofline relative to the adjacent buildings of Mansfield College, and rooms at the lowest level open onto a sunken garden. This elegant building combines Bath stone, exposed concrete, steel and glass in a sophisticated contemporary design. It eschews air-conditioning in favour of natural ventilation, achieving excellent energy performance.
Awards: RIBA Award, 2003; BIAT Award, 2003; OPT Award, 2003; Civic Trust Award, 2003; AIA Award, 2005
NEW OXFORD ARCHITECTURE 