Homerton College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, announced today the five firms shortlisted in the competition to design a emblematic £7 million ($8.5 million USD) centrepiece building to house a 300-person dining hall for the school. The finalists were selected from an original pool of 155 architects, from which 24 were selected for the longlist.
The competition, organized by Malcolm Reading Consultants, is a part of the College’s wider plan to improve and expand school facilities. Homerton boasts one of the largest student communities at Cambridge, and is one of a few of the University’s colleges capable of housing all undergraduate students in on-site facilities for all four years. To be located on an attractive wooded site, the commission has the potential to determine the character of the school for years to come.
The 5 finalists are:
‘What made the difference between reaching the long-list and the shortlist? It came down to an understanding of, and empathy with, the client as an institution, a genuine focus on working in collaboration and an initial response that emphasised both the inspirational and the practical,’ said David Hamilton, Director of Projects at Malcolm Reading Consultants.
The five finalists will now progress on to the concept development stage of the competition. This stage will challenge architects to develop more detailed designs for the 1,400 square meter (15,000 square foot) building, which will contain a 300 person dining hall, kitchen, administrative areas and supporting facilities. Key design themes for the firms to focus on will include land use and landscape, access and movement, integration of uses, infrastructure and services, and outstanding environmental performance.
The five concept designs will be exhibited at Homerton College from December 2016 to early next year. The winning team is expected to be announced in late January 2017.
Construction on the dining hall is anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2018.
