The University of Oxford has formally opened the new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities building to its student community. CPC acted as lead Project Manager for this landmark facility which marks the biggest built environment investment in the University’s history.
This major development brings together seven academic faculties, six libraries, and the Institute for Ethics in AI under one roof. Designed as a focal point for interdisciplinary collaboration, the Centre provides world-class academic, performance and public spaces within a single, highly sustainable building.
Working closely with the University’s Capital Projects team, the Humanities faculty, donor representatives and the wider consultant and construction teams, CPC played a central role in guiding the project from inception through to completion.
The Centre includes state-of-the-art lecture theatres, performance and rehearsal spaces, a music library, extensive reading rooms, faculty accommodation and public gathering areas, all designed to support new forms of collaboration across disciplines.
Built under a low carbon design & delivery approach, the Centre includes a striking prefabricated oak and steel dome architectural centrepiece, and is the largest Passivhaus certified building in England and the World’s first Passivhaus concert hall.
The project made extensive use of modern methods of construction, digital engineering and off-site manufacture, significantly reducing programme duration, improving safety and lowering environmental impact.
The Centre was completed ahead of programme and in readiness for the new academic year, despite the complexity of delivering the Centre within Oxford’s historic urban environment.
Jonathan Odell, Partner, CPC Project Services said “This major new Centre has been a first in kind undertaking for the University. We’ve been working in partnership with the Capital Projects from the outset to ensure this complex projects was delivered safely, efficiently and in line with the University’s ambitions”.
