Following the news in 2010 that Daniel Libeskind was to design a "landmark" building for the UK's University of Essex, it has been announced that the plans have been abandoned. What was known as the Institute for Democracy and Conflict Resolution (IDCR) "was intended to become the ‘anchor’ to a new Knowledge Gateway research park at the university’s Colchester Wivenhoe Campus".
According to a spokesman, "the IDCR ceased to operate as a separate institute from 31 July 2013" resulting in the proposed building being shelved.
Libeskind, who studied for a Masters in the History and Theory of Architecture in Essex in the 1970s, announced on behalf of his studio that they have "enjoyed an entirely collaborative and constructive relationship with the University of Essex, since embarking on the proposed IDCR complex in 2010. The University of Essex have decided to review their strategies for the university’s knowledge gateway and we wish them all the best in the restructuring of this inspiring project.”
The IDCR would have been Libeskind's third building in the UK following Manchester's Imperial War Museum North and the London Metropolitan Graduate Centre in Holloway.
