Saint Antony's College Softbridge Project
The three-storey, 1,200m2 building is an iconic extension to the Middle East Centre at St Antony’s College, Oxford University. It houses a library, archive, and lecture theatre. Zaha Hadid-designed ‘Softbridge’ building involved immense vision and huge challenges.
Beyond its practical function, it has created a distinctive landmark on Oxford’s architectural landscape. A sinuous, softly reflective steel-clad form, seemingly floating, suspended between its Victorian and Edwardian neighbours.
The ‘Softbridge’ Building has been awarded the World Architecture Festival’s award for “Higher Education & Research – Completed Buildings”. This prestigious award designates the futuristic extension to the Middle East Centre as the best higher education and research building in the world, as chosen by a jury at the large, international architectural event.
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