Ever wondered what was behind the façade?

Located in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, the building brings together seven humanities faculties -including English, History, and Philosophy - and institutes like the Oxford Internet Institute, consolidating resources from 26 previous locations. It also hosts the Bodleian Humanities Library, a 500-seat, sustainable concert space, 250-seat theatre, black-box space, dance studio, cinema, and musical instrument collections plus a café with a terrace - all strengthening ties between University and City.

Aligned with the University of Oxford's net zero carbon emissions and biodiversity net gain, the Centre follows principles of Passivhaus – the design standard for buildings with ultra energy efficiency.

Sustainable practice built the Centre, from vehicles powered by vegetable oil to the British stone, brick, and steel that will stand tall for years to come. 

And when you take your seat at the Centre’s performance venues, it’ll be on a chair crafted locally in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Chris Bannister, a Director at Hopkins Architects, was a member of the design team and was also an integral part of the design of the 2012 Olympic Velodrome and the National Tennis Centre.