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Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge

Location
Cambridge, UK
Client
University of Cambridge
Expertise
Architecture
Acoustics
Building Services Engineering
Interior Design
Lighting
Sustainability

BDP’s multidisciplinary team undertook a 10-week feasibility study to assess the potential for the refurbishment and extension of the James Stirling Building

Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge
Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge
Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge
Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge
Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge
History faculty building, UoC

As part of a wider estate strategy aimed at unlocking the potential of existing buildings and creating shared academic hubs, the project aims to create modern, flexible, shared, teaching, and learning spaces, whilst upgrading the environmental performance and conserving the historic special interest of the building.

The University’s aspiration is to create a shared hub, accessed by all departments located on the Sidgwick Site. This hub retains the existing library function, whilst repurposing and extending some areas to add a greater variety of social spaces, study spaces and teaching facilities.

Sustainability is embedded within the project objectives and brief. A feasibility study was undertaken to assess the opportunities for improving the building’s environmental performance to meet UoC standards and zero carbon targets.

Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge
Jessica Mailey for a quote

“The Stirling Building is one of the most significant works of post-war British architecture. It is at once rigorous, complex and unmistakable in its intent. 

"Our work has focused on respecting the clarity and ambition of James Stirling’s original design, while carefully adapting a building that has always combined architectural strength with real operational challenges.

"The refurbishment brings renewed life to an extraordinary building, retaining its distinctive character and sense of architectural intensity, while creating more open, inclusive and sustainable spaces for teaching, research and collaboration across the Sidgwick Site. The start of construction marks an important step in securing its future as a place of scholarship and exchange for the next generation.”

Jess Mailey, Architect Director, BDP
Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge
BDP_Stirling_SW-View-scaled.jpg
Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge
Stirling Building Refurbishment, University of Cambridge

Further Reading

James Stirling Building University of Cambridge External Building CGI
News.08.07.25

Planning consent granted for restoration of iconic James Stirling Building at the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has received planning and listed building consent for the comprehensive restoration of the Grade II* listed faculty.