Latest Posts
Homerton College Cambridge, UK
Home Ground Venice Biennale
Exeter College Cohen Quad Oxford
Windward House Gloucestershire
The Passages, City of Surrey Canada
Quarterhouse Folkestone
Cadence King's Cross, London
The Smile London
Knights Park Cambridge
Mesh House London
ReCasting Venice Biennale
1 Ashley Road London
Ely Court London
Lens House London
Newhall Be Harlow
Albert Crescent Bath
News
Alison Brooks Architects wins Cambridge College competition
Alison Brooks Architects has been commissioned by Homerton College, Cambridge to design their new main Entrance Building and Children’s Literature Resource Centre, after winning a two-stage design competition.
Alison Brooks Architects has been commissioned by Homerton College, Cambridge to design their new main Entrance Building and Children’s Literature Resource Centre, after winning a two-stage design competition.
The design brief asked for a new entrance appropriate to the size and ambition of the College; including a new Porters’ Lodge which both welcomes first-time visitors and meets the needs of resident students; and to expand the College Library, allowing it to host exhibitions as well as provide study space.
Alison Brooks Architects’ scheme is inspired by the Homerton College campus, its architectural eclecticism and its Arts & Crafts legacy. Our proposed building form is a three storey ‘cube’ with a wide single storey base that extends outward in four directions.
“We’re delighted with this opportunity to design Homerton College’s new Entrance Building and Children’s Literature Resource Centre as a welcoming ‘lantern’ and multi-purpose hub for the College’s communities. We’re very much inspired by Homerton’s campus, its arts and crafts legacy and we look forward to producing its first net zero mass timber building.” — Alison Brooks
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Building London | BBC Radio 3
For the ‘Building London’ episode, Alison Brooks joined Eric Parry (Eric Parry Architects) and presenter Laurence Scott to discuss the development of London, as part of the London Festival of Architecture.
For the ‘Building London’ episode, Alison Brooks joined Eric Parry (Eric Parry Architects) and presenter Laurence Scott to discuss the development of London, as part of the London Festival of Architecture.
Follow the link to revisit the episode → https://bbc.in/3xM70oF
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Architecture and Inequity: New Practices of Care
Carly Dickson from Alison Brooks Architects joined the London Festival of Architecture & Royal Academy of Arts‘ ‘Architecture and Inequity: New Practices of Care’ symposium.
Carly Dickson from Alison Brooks Architects joined the London Festival of Architecture & Royal Academy of Arts‘ ‘Architecture and Inequity: New Practices of Care’ symposium.
Bringing together original research that considers the systemic inequalities in our cities and proposes positive approaches that explore the built environment from a critical perspective, the panel discussed inclusive design strategies and explored how architecture can accept difference. →
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The Martin Centre | University of Cambridge
For this lecture at The Martin Centre, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Alison Brooks elaborated on ’19th C London: A 21st C Model for Embedded Productivity, Mixity and Hyper-locality’.
For this lecture at The Martin Centre, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Alison Brooks elaborated on ’19th C London: A 21st C Model for Embedded Productivity, Mixity and Hyper-locality’.
Follow the link for a chance to revisit the seminar. →
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Future Assembly | The Umbrella Islands
In addition to ‘Home Ground’, we have also contributed to Future Assembly, an exhibition in the Giardini’s Central Pavilion as part of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition. Curated by Studio Other Spaces (Olafur Eliasson), the work explores the value system of the United Nations and imagines new futures for how we can collaboratively come together.
In addition to ‘Home Ground’, we have also contributed to Future Assembly, an exhibition in the Giardini’s Central Pavilion as part of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition. Curated by Studio Other Spaces (Olafur Eliasson), the work explores the value system of the United Nations and imagines new futures for how we can collaboratively come together.
Today, as humankind faces a devastating pandemic and a triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss and severe degradation of air, land and water – we need to end our war on nature and begin to act more holistically to secure the health of the species, ecosystems and resources with which we coexist and on which our survival depends.
This ‘Future Assembly’ exhibition calls on all of us to re-imagine new pathways for our global governance architecture and to strengthen multilateralism so that it is more networked and inclusive. At this pivotal moment for people and planet, the United Nations is determined to work with all partners to uphold our shared values, navigate common challenges and seize the opportunities of the century ahead.’
– António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
The installation ‘The Umbrella Islands’ is inspired by Alison Brooks’ annual pilgrimage to the Umbrella Islands of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. Part of the Canadian Shield, it is a four billion-year-old landscape and the largest area of Archean Era rock that is still visible at the Earth’s surface. The installation consists of four 63.5mm diameter core samples from this ancient rock formation, set in timber trays to offer a sensory sampling of the Shield, embodied by the Umbrella Islands. To accompany this are geological maps of the islands and a selection of Alison Brooks’ personal photographs that reveal the haunting beauty of the islands. It is the direct connection to an Archaean Era environment and the incomprehensibly long timeframe that the rocks have witnessed that makes the experience of visiting the Umbrella Islands so powerful.
Installation photo: Gerdastudio
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Home Ground | Biennale Architettura 2021
Excited to share ‘Home Ground’, our contribution to the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Hashim Sarkis.
Excited to share ‘Home Ground’, our contribution to the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Hashim Sarkis.
Situated in the Arsenale, our installation responds to the question ‘How will we live together?’ with a monumental table into which sixteen architectural models are cast as a participatory ‘conversation piece’. ‘Home Ground’ explores how housing defines the way we live together in cities; as households, and by shaping collective ground. It combines models of Alison Brooks Architects’ current housing projects from locations across the world. The installation reflects upon the nature of ground floor communal spaces in housing architecture as both thresholds to the private realm of the home and gathering spaces, where new communities can form. →
Photography: Gerdastudio
Fabrication: Base Models
Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion
Alison Brooks is pleased to be featured in Randy Deutsch’s new book “Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion” (RIBA Publishing, 2021).
Alison Brooks is pleased to be featured in Randy Deutsch’s new book “Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion” (RIBA Publishing, 2021).
Drawing insights from various international practices, the publication aims to support the growth of architects in the developing stages of their careers. → bit.ly/3y633w2
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Whole Architect – Podcast Episode with Alison Brooks
Join Emma Bowers (Stanford University) in conversation with Alison Brooks, as they explore the importance of discovery, the evolution of education and the profession, and how loving our mistakes helps us grow.
Join Emma Bowers (Stanford University) in conversation with Alison Brooks, as they explore the importance of discovery, the evolution of education and the profession, and how loving our mistakes helps us grow.
Listen to the episode → https://spoti.fi/3hegFPz
“Every new project is a new place, it’s a new community, it’s a new context, a new piece of city that needs help and work… tons of inspiration and excitement comes from discovering that new place, falling in love with it and seeing it with fresh eyes.” — Alison Brooks
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ABA on winning masterplan team for Thamesmead Waterfront
ABA is absolutely delighted to be part of the Prior + Partners / Arup winning masterplan team for Thamesmead Waterfront.
ABA is absolutely delighted to be part of the Prior + Partners / Arup winning masterplan team for Thamesmead Waterfront.
Looking forward to getting started with Lendlease, Peabody, Thamesmead’s communities and our inspirational colleagues: Turner.Works, Marc Koehler Architects, Schulze+Grassov, West 8, Soundings, The Place Bureau, Sage Culture Art Gallery & Projects, JA Projects.
Follow the link to learn more → https://bit.ly/3vxg7rR
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Yinka Ilori MBE unveils brand new artwork for Heart of Hale
Delighted to see Yinka Ilori‘s brand new artwork animating Tottenham Hale’s newest creative neighbourhood and ABA’s 1 Ashley Road project, currently on site.
Delighted to see Yinka Ilori‘s brand new artwork animating Tottenham Hale’s newest creative neighbourhood and ABA’s 1 Ashley Road project, currently on site.
Titled “As you pass me by, know that it is nothing but love from me”, the public installation is part of Yinka’s role as the official Artist in Residence for Argent Related ‘s landmark scheme, Heart of Hale, in Tottenham Hale’s regeneration area. Learn more about the collaboration → bit.ly/3nrV07y
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Alison Brooks named a High Commendation at 2021’s Female Frontier Awards
Alison Brooks is delighted to have been named a High Commendation at the Female Frontier Awards: Powered by WAN 2021, in the Architect of the Year category.
Alison Brooks is delighted to have been named a High Commendation at the Female Frontier Awards: Powered by WAN 2021, in the Architect of the Year category.
“I’m honoured to be in the company of every architect recognized by this award, in particular Francine Houben (Mecanoo). Francine is a leading light for women in the profession and also a personal friend. There’s much work to be done for women architects to have the same visibility and access to opportunities our male colleagues enjoy. The Female Frontier Awards make an important contribution to this cause.” — Alison Brooks
Follow the link to learn more. → https://bit.ly/3sL8lc8
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Alison Brooks joins Design Council’s Experts Directory
The Design Council has unveiled its refreshed network of experts, which embodies a commitment to making life better by design. Alison Brooks is delighted to be part of this diverse, multidisciplinary list of 34 ambassadors.
The Design Council has unveiled its refreshed network of experts, which embodies a commitment to making life better by design. Alison Brooks is delighted to be part of this diverse, multidisciplinary list of 34 ambassadors.
Over the coming months, the experts will join with Design Council’s design associates to form a dynamic community of practice which will develop exciting opportunities to collaborate. Read more here →
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Cadence, King’s Cross | NLA 2021 Tall Building Survey
ABA is delighted to have Cadence, King’s Cross featured in New London Architecture‘s annual Tall Buildings Survey. Published in April 2021, the report presents new data and reflects on the impact of the pandemic on London’s tall buildings pipeline.
ABA is delighted to have Cadence, King’s Cross featured in New London Architecture‘s annual Tall Buildings Survey. Published in April 2021, the report presents new data and reflects on the impact of the pandemic on London’s tall buildings pipeline.
Explore the full report →
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Accelerate 2021 | Open City’s Programme
Alison Brooks Architects is delighted to be supporting Accelerate on a journey towards a more diverse, open and inclusive industry.
Alison Brooks Architects is delighted to be supporting Accelerate on a journey towards a more diverse, open and inclusive industry.
Providing 30 sixth form students from across London with a series of skills workshops in a university environment, Open City’s Accelerate Programme offers one-to-one mentoring at an architecture practice, as well as in-depth bespoke guidance on university applications. As part of the Mentor Partners, we look forward to inviting the students to cultivate a critical questioning of the built environment. Learn more about the programme →
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Your Brent Magazine | Durham & Gloucester Court
Spring 2021’s edition of ‘Your Brent’ magazine features an article with some new residents of ABA’s Durham & Gloucester Court, part of the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration.
Spring 2021’s edition of ‘Your Brent’ magazine features an article with some new residents of ABA’s Durham & Gloucester Court, part of the South Kilburn Estate Regeneration.
When asked whether they still supported the award-winning regeneration of the estate at the residents’ ballot, the community overwhelmingly backed the council’s plans to continue rebuilding the neighbourhood – with 84% voting yes. We are honoured to be part of this journey and contribute to a real sense of place and belonging. Explore the story →
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Cohen Quad Exeter College, Oxford is a Civic Trust Awards Winner 2021
Alison Brooks Architects is delighted that the Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has won a 2021 Civic Trust Award at the 5 March ceremony.
Alison Brooks Architects is delighted that the Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has won a 2021 Civic Trust Award at the 5 March ceremony.
Thank you Civic Trust Awards and congratulations to all award winners. Delve into the announcement and explore the winning projects. →
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People, Place, Planet #3 | Lecture by Alison Brooks
For this lecture at RIBA Somerset, Alison Brooks talked through some of her recent award winning and exemplar works and explained how they are borne out of contemporary constraints.
For this lecture at RIBA Somerset, Alison Brooks talked through some of her recent award winning and exemplar works and explained how they are borne out of contemporary constraints.
“People, Place, Planet #3” explored the power of context and how it refreshes and invigorates her work, becoming the story behind her designs. There was a particular focus on the local context and story of the Taunton Maggie’s Centres.
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Alison Brooks Architects Named as One of Britain’s Top Ten Architects in this Month’s Avontuura
Alison Brooks Architects named as one of Britain’s top 10 architects in this month’s Avontuura alongside Adjaye Associates, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick, Zaha Hadid, and others.
Alison Brooks Architects named as one of Britain’s top 10 architects in this month’s Avontuura alongside Adjaye Associates, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick, Zaha Hadid, and others.
“There’s a timelessness to Alison Brooks Architect’s work that I find quite interesting. First and foremost, their designs are beautiful; but the creativity and research-driven aspect of their practice are what I find most interesting. Their buildings are sensitive to their place while speaking concurrently to their future, and each project has a sculptural quality to it that isn’t lost in detailing. Some of their more well-known work includes the Quarterhouse in Folkestone and Exeter College Cohen Quad in Oxford (pictured).”
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Alison Brooks Architects named Dezeen Architect of the Year 2020
We’re delighted to receive this recognition from Dezeen’s international jury and honoured to be in the company of NADAA, Studio Gang, MAD, Lever Architecture and Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architect.
We’re delighted to receive this recognition from Dezeen’s international jury and honoured to be in the company of NADAA, Studio Gang, MAD, Lever Architecture and Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architect.
With huge thanks to all our clients and colleagues for supporting our work and practice ethos outlined in our statement.
With very best wishes!
Alison Brooks & the ABA Team
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
The judges said that the practice is “conscious and questioning, and adopts a public interest approach and that this is the direction we want architecture to move towards”. They described Alison Brooks Architects as “a groundbreaking practice with great ethos – particularly the way that they question both norms and the profession itself.”
The Dezeen awards aim to identify the world’s best architecture, interiors and design, as well as the studios and the individual architects and designers producing the most outstanding work. This year the awards received more than 4,300 entries from over 85 countries across five continents.
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Atoll Spa Hotel at the BauNetz magazine
Alison Brooks Architect’s Atoll Spa Hotel has been selected by design magazine BauNetz as one of the Best Hotels and Restaurants in the World from the last 20 years.
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Alison Brooks Architect’s Atoll Spa Hotel has been selected by design magazine BauNetz as one of the Best Hotels and Restaurants in the World from the last 20 years.
The Helgoland hotel is featured alongside ten other magnificent places to add to the post lockdown to-do-list, including Philippe Starck’s Sanderson Hotel in London; ‘Under’, Snøhetta’s underwater restaurant; and Hotel Puerta America, Madrid, where each floor was designed by luminaries such as Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, David Chipperfield or Ron Arad.
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Athena Wins the Evening Standard New Homes Awards
We’re absolutely delighted to have received the Evening Standard New Homes Award in the Development of Outstanding Architectural Merit category for our scheme Athena.
We’re absolutely delighted to have received the Evening Standard New Homes Award in the Development of Outstanding Architectural Merit category for our scheme Athena.
We designed 143 new homes, as part of Cambridge University’s exceptionally ambitious North West Cambridge Development. The 150-hectare urban extension masterplanned by Aecom includes university and market housing, a primary school, research space plus community facilities such as a nursery, a doctors’ surgery, community center, supermarket, and retail units, and open green space.
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Alison Brooks Architects ― Housing Architect of the Year
We are thrilled to win our second BD Housing Architect of the Year Award in the company of great competition. Congratulations to our partners, Argent, Hill Group, Rize Alliance, patrons and residents.
We are thrilled to win our second BD Housing Architect of the Year Award in the company of great competition. Congratulations to our partners, Argent, Hill Group, Rize Alliance, patrons and residents.
Our winning submission included Cadence, a mixed-use scheme in King’s Cross about to start on site, The Passages, a residential development at the heart of the emerging Surrey City Centre in Vancouver, Athena, a Cambridge Universit’s exceptionally ambitious North West Cambridge Development where we designed 143 new homes as a part of, and Durham & Gloucester Court, a regeneration scheme in the South Kilburn Estate that establishes a consistent urban character.
We’re also happy to receive an AYA High Commendation in Individual House Architect category for our projects Mesh House and Windward House, with thanks to our exceptional clients.
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