Stanton Williams wins Oxford college library contest

The London practice defeated an undisclosed shortlist of rival firms to win a competition held by one of the university’s oldest colleges. A total of 26 companies entered the competition.

The new building will provide a ‘companion’ to Merton’s existing historic library — which dates from 1379— providing facilities that ‘will inspire and support the endeavours of current and future students and academics.’

The project, which is currently at feasibility/concept stage, aims to deliver an exemplary sustainable building, which is flexible and adaptable for the long term, capable of supporting the college’s life and vision for generations to come.

The existing library is located in the college’s ‘Mob Quadrangle’ and is believed to be one of the oldest libraries in continued use in Oxford. The college itself was founded in 1264 by Walter de Merton who was chancellor to Henry III and later to Edward I.

The site for the new purpose-built library is separated from Merton’s main collegiate core by a mature Fellows’ Garden and the historic medieval city wall.

The new complex will provide an opportunity for a new ‘strong connection’ between the college, the city walls and its wider landscape setting. It will feature niches and corners for private focused study, expansive book-lined reading rooms and informal and collaborative environments for contemporary student life.

Stanton Williams director Kaori Ohsugi said: ‘We are excited by the opportunity to build on Merton College’s illustrious legacy. Designing a new principal academic library for Merton College is both a privilege and a responsibility and we look forward to working with the college to deliver an ambitious vision that will support their social and intellectual life for the next 650 years.’

The practice completed RIBA stage 1 at the end of 2022 and is now working with stakeholder groups within the college to prepare conceptual designs.

Merton College estates bursar John Gloag said: ‘Throughout the competition, Stanton Williams impressed the college with its well-researched and thoughtful approach to the presentations in which all members of the team were fully engaged.

‘Throughout the process, its ability to listen to and respond to the college’s comments was regarded as a key quality. We are therefore looking forward to working with Kaori and her team to create an exceptional building.’