Uncategorized
Opening Keynote Speech ‘Transformations’ Cadence Exeter College Cohen Quad
30.09.2022—2.10.2022, Samsung KX
Alison Brooks spoke for the American Institute of Architects, kicking off a 3-day conference focused on London, King’s Cross and its transformations since the last AIA London Conference in 2014.
Alison Brooks spoke for the American Institute of Architects, kicking off a 3-day conference focused on London, King’s Cross and its transformations since the last AIA London Conference in 2014.
Alison Brooks presented her work with a talk entitled ‘Context in Architecture.’ Cadence, Cohen Quad and the LSE Global Hub design proposal were all covered as case studies.
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Windward House wins 2 RIBA South West Awards 2021
Our Windward House has been named among the nine 2021 RIBA South West Regional Awards winners. The house was also announced as the South West region’s Building of the Year 2021.
Our Windward House has been named among the nine 2021 RIBA South West Regional Awards winners. The house was also announced as the South West region’s Building of the Year 2021.
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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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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 Olafur Eliasson’s Studio Other Spaces, 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 Olafur Eliasson’s Studio Other Spaces, 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
26 Jan 2021, 11am | Festival of Higher Education
On the 26th January Alison Brooks and Professor Sir Richard Trainor, Rector (Head) of Exeter College will present to the Festival of Higher Education.
On the 26th January Alison Brooks and Professor Sir Richard Trainor, Rector (Head) of Exeter College will present to the Festival of Higher Education.
Alison will talk about the Exeter College Cohen Quadrangle, Oxford, her aspirations in creating a scholarly home and how the building offers uplifting environments in which to work, think and co-exist.
Sir Richard will talk about how the collegiate quad has proved a resilient academic model, not least during the pandemic, paying special attention to the innovative impact of the building’s Learning Commons on the student and staff experience.
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Cohen Quad – Winner in the 2021 Civic Trust Awards
Delighted that our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has been selected as a winner in the 2021 Civic Trust Awards. One of only 40 successful National / International projects.[more..]
Delighted that our Cohen Quad, Exeter College, Oxford has been selected as a winner in the 2021 Civic Trust Awards. One of only 40 successful National / International projects.
The design for the Cohen Quad is based on three key architectural strategies: the journey, places of gathering, and the qualities of home.
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Wood Awards 2020: A Treasured Wooden Object
In celebration of the 2020 Wood Awards, Alison Brooks shared ‘A Treasured Wooden Object’ with Disegno Works.
In celebration of the 2020 Wood Awards, Alison Brooks shared ‘A Treasured Wooden Object’ with Disegno Works.
“These carved maple wood scrolls, each about 30cm long, hang as a pair on a wall in my living room. They formed part of my mother’s collection of 18th- and 19th-century “Canadiana”, which is the unassuming name for the art of Canada’s early settlers.”
Read the full article at the Wood Awards website.
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Alison Brooks Interview for The Davidson Prize
Alison Brooks is honoured to be judging The Davidson Prize 2021, along with fellow judges Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick Studio), Michelle Ogundehin, Narinder Sagoo (Foster + Partners), and Sonia Solicari (Museum of the Home).
Alison Brooks is honoured to be judging The Davidson Prize 2021, along with fellow judges Thomas Heatherwick (Heatherwick Studio), Michelle Ogundehin, Narinder Sagoo (Foster + Partners), and Sonia Solicari (Museum of the Home).
Each year entrants are asked to consider a different aspect of the home, starting with future ways of working. Amanda Baillieu (Archiboo Awards, Developer Collective) asked Alison how architects should rethink housing design. Read the interview on the link.
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Alison Brooks Judging Design Educates Awards 2021
Alison Brooks is honoured to be on the judging panel for the Design Educates Awards 2021.
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Alison Brooks is honoured to be on the judging panel for the Design Educates Awards 2021.
The awards recognize, showcase, and promote globally the best ideas and implementations of design that educate.
Alison is on the 2021 judging panel alongside other influential names in architecture such as Prof. Toyo Itō (Toyo Ito & Associates), Prof. Farshid Moussavi (FMA), and David Basulto (ArchDaily).
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BD Architect of the Year nominations
ABA continue to develop a very strong portfolio of housing projects, which has been recognised in the shortlist for AYA2020 in the Housing category. Featured here is Athena in Eddington, a highly sustainable new town extension in Cambridge. We have also been nominated in the Individual House category. We completed two houses in the past year for private clients, Mesh House, and Windward House, and currently have another house in North London in for planning. More on this project soon.[more..]
ABA continue to develop a very strong portfolio of housing projects, which has been recognised in the shortlist for AYA2020 in the Housing category. Featured here is Athena in Eddington, a highly sustainable new town extension in Cambridge. We have also been nominated in the Individual House category. We completed two houses in the past year for private clients, Mesh House, and Windward House, and currently have another house in North London in for planning. More on this project soon.
https://awards.bdonline.co.uk/2020-shortlist/
ABA has a long track record of producing award-winning architecture for housing, and this past year has seen a variety of projects, of different typologies and tenure, reach key stages of development and completion. Our housing projects are variations of classic typologies: the palazzo, the mansion block, the skyscraper, the courtyard block, but we also strive to present them in contemporary and inventive ways.
Cadence is a pivotal building in the final stages of the development of the King’s Cross Masterplan for which we are currently developing detailed designs after being novated last year. Gloucester & Durham continues our work for the estate regeneration of South Kilburn. ABA has also seen the first stage of its work at Eddington in North West Cambridge reach completion at Athena, which represents a continuation of the very high-quality housing that this significant town extension for the University of Cambridge is becoming known for. The Passages, our largest housing project to date and our first in Canada, gained City permits in December. In addition, we have also seen the first phases of Mosaics, a mixed tenure green-field development on the outskirts of Oxford reach completion, and we have developed detailed designs for S3, another key site in the Eddington masterplan. 1 Ashley Road East, the first element of Argent Related’s regeneration project for Tottenham Hale is now on site, and we were successful at winning new work through international design competition, including a major high-rise landmark building at the International Quarter Stratford, and another estate regeneration project for Hackney at Lincoln Court.
A house project is like an essay – in a very succinct way, you can test ideas. At the scale of a house, a thesis or concept can be realised in a way that large more complex projects have difficulties achieving. The two projects that we have presented for this year’s award are the culmination of a long process of design development, conversation, and innovative construction. We have been lucky enough to have worked with two sets of private clients who’s interest and passion for architecture has metamorphosed into a close, supportive working relationship, resulting in two new houses of individual character; one in the Wye Value, and one in Belsize Park.
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Home Ground, Biennale Architettura 2020
We are very happy to reveal that our contribution to the Biennale Architettura 2021 curated by Hashim Sarkis, designed to encourage dialogue and debate, will feature in the As New Households section at the Arsenale from May 22 to November 21, 2021.
We are very happy to reveal that our contribution to the Biennale Architettura 2021 curated by Hashim Sarkis, designed to encourage dialogue and debate, will feature in the As New Households section at the Arsenale from May 22 to November 21, 2021.
This is the fourth installation that Alison Brooks Architects has contributed to the International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, and third in succession.
For a full list of participants visit the Biennale website
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Major Regeneration Project in Vancouver Approved
Having gained consent at the first and second reading, The Passages, a one million square foot mixed use residential development in Vancouver was approved at the City of Surrey Public Hearing and third reading yesterday.
Having gained consent at the first and second reading, The Passages, a one million square foot mixed use residential development in Vancouver was approved at the City of Surrey Public Hearing and third reading yesterday.
The Passages site is at the heart of the emerging Surrey City Centre in Vancouver, where there is a drive towards a high-density, transit-orientated and walkable downtown core to address a critical housing need. The character of tall buildings and how they merge to form a beautiful skyline with humane and diverse streetscapes has been a key design driver. Alison Brooks have worked with IBI Group on this project, for Rize Alliance.
Please refer to The Passages project page for more information
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Public Housing: A London Renaissance
16.05.2019—18.07.2019, NLA, The Building Centre
The opening of a new exhibition at the NLA this week at London’s Building Centre. A review of current trends in London Estate housing.
The opening of a new exhibition at the NLA this week at London’s Building Centre. A review of current trends in London Estate housing.
“This exhibition shows how London boroughs are working to deliver high-quality, pleasant and affordable homes on estates, smaller sites and large-scale areas of regeneration across London, to create places that can also support the sustainable growth of the capital.”
Alison Brooks Architects have contributed a number of our projects in Kilburn including Ely Court.
The exhibition will open from 16 May to 18 July 2019, at The Building Centre.
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Forest of Fabrication Symposium on ‘Re-Imagining Timber’
3.04.2019 14:00, The Building Centre
Alison presented our work in relation to the innovative use and the future potential of wood in architectural construction, alongside Alex de Rijke of drMM Architects and Amin Taha.
Alison presented our work in relation to the innovative use and the future potential of wood in architectural construction, alongside Alex de Rijke of drMM Architects and Amin Taha.
Other speakers included: David Venables of the American Hardwood Council, our client for The Smile project; and Johannes Rebhahn of specialist timber contractor Wiehag. Thanks to the host of the event, Vanessa Norwood of The Building Centre for facilitating such an interesting discussion that touched on wide ranging themes from technical design, the future of wood as a material in construction, well-being and the management of the world’s forests to provide a sustainable source of construction materials.
[less..]Part l Architectural Assistant
Alison Brooks Architects are internationally recognised for producing high-quality architecture that inventively responds to the context and culture of each project. Our architects provide a bespoke service to each client, working collaboratively with world-class expert consultants to provide a fully integrated design service, and as such candidates must possess, at a minimum the below experience, skills and technical expertise:
Minimum requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from RIBA accredited school of architecture
- previous experience in an architectural studio an advantage
- proficient 2D, 3D design and visualisation skills
- excellent design skills
- Revit & Rhino skills are an advantage
- highly proficient in InDesign and Photoshop
- excellent verbal and written communication
- excellent coordination and organisational skills
The candidate will be based at our Highgate studio but may be required to travel and be based on site as and when necessary. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Please send a cover letter, CV and representative examples of your work as a PDF (7mb max) to careers@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.
Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer and treats all job applicants equally, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, beliefs or religion.
Alison Brooks Architects are internationally recognised for producing high-quality architecture that inventively responds to the context and culture of each project. Our architects provide a bespoke service to each client, working collaboratively with world-class expert consultants to provide a fully integrated design service, and as such candidates must possess, at a minimum the below experience, skills and technical expertise:
Minimum requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from RIBA accredited school of architecture
- previous experience in an architectural studio an advantage
- proficient 2D, 3D design and visualisation skills
- excellent design skills
- Revit & Rhino skills are an advantage
- highly proficient in InDesign and Photoshop
- excellent verbal and written communication
- excellent coordination and organisational skills
The candidate will be based at our Highgate studio but may be required to travel and be based on site as and when necessary. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Please send a cover letter, CV and representative examples of your work as a PDF (7mb max) to careers@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.
Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer and treats all job applicants equally, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, beliefs or religion.
[less..]Part ll Architectural Assistant
Alison Brooks Architects are recruiting for an architectural assistant with a minimum of two years post RIBA Part-II to join its London team. Successful candidates will join an experienced team to produce RIBA Stage 4 Construction Documentation and deliver a large and exciting, new-build residential scheme and at North West Cambridge. We’re searching for candidates with the ability to take on high levels of ownership and responsibility, to work as a team and be self-motivated.
Alison Brooks Architects are internationally recognised for producing high-quality architecture that inventively responds to the context and culture of each project. Our architects provide a bespoke service to each client, working collaboratively with world-class expert consultants to provide a fully integrated design service, and as such candidates must possess, at a minimum the below experience, skills and technical expertise:
Experience and knowledge
- a minimum of two years post RIBA Part-II experience in the UK
- experience working in teams using REVIT to produce Construction Documents
- experience in Technical Design, detailing and documentation
- experience on multi-residential/mixed-use projects desirable
- thorough knowledge of UK building regulations and planning procedures
Technical skills
- Competent Revit user
- highly proficient 3D design and visualisation skills: Rhino and Vray experience a plus
- excellent design skills
- highly proficient InDesign & Photoshop
- excellent coordination and organisational skills
- excellent verbal and written communication
The candidate will be based at our Highgate studio but may be required to travel and be based on site as and when necessary. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Please send a cover letter, CV and representative examples of your work as a PDF (7mb max) to careers@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.
Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer and treats all job applicants equally, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, beliefs or religion.
Alison Brooks Architects are recruiting for an architectural assistant with a minimum of two years post RIBA Part-II to join its London team. Successful candidates will join an experienced team to produce RIBA Stage 4 Construction Documentation and deliver a large and exciting, new-build residential scheme and at North West Cambridge. We’re searching for candidates with the ability to take on high levels of ownership and responsibility, to work as a team and be self-motivated.
Alison Brooks Architects are internationally recognised for producing high-quality architecture that inventively responds to the context and culture of each project. Our architects provide a bespoke service to each client, working collaboratively with world-class expert consultants to provide a fully integrated design service, and as such candidates must possess, at a minimum the below experience, skills and technical expertise:
Experience and knowledge
- a minimum of two years post RIBA Part-II experience in the UK
- experience working in teams using REVIT to produce Construction Documents
- experience in Technical Design, detailing and documentation
- experience on multi-residential/mixed-use projects desirable
- thorough knowledge of UK building regulations and planning procedures
Technical skills
- Competent Revit user
- highly proficient 3D design and visualisation skills: Rhino and Vray experience a plus
- excellent design skills
- highly proficient InDesign & Photoshop
- excellent coordination and organisational skills
- excellent verbal and written communication
The candidate will be based at our Highgate studio but may be required to travel and be based on site as and when necessary. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Please send a cover letter, CV and representative examples of your work as a PDF (7mb max) to careers@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.
Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer and treats all job applicants equally, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, beliefs or religion.
[less..]PR & Marketing Manager
We require an experienced and enthusiastic PR & Marketing Manager to manage all Public Relations activities for the Company. Reporting directly to Principal & Creative Director, the person should be outgoing, highly organised and passionate about architecture and the built environment. The position requires a high degree of responsibility, discretion and a proactive team focus. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Public Relations
- maintaining and creating relationships with representatives from the media and press including journalists
- identifying press opportunities and raising the profile of the practice
- creating and editing written materials including press releases, newsletters and biographies
New Business
- researching new business & collaboration opportunities
- monitoring online procurement portals
- preparing Expressions of Interest and presentations for prospective clients
- representation at networking & client events
Marketing
- developing the marketing strategy for the company in line with business development plan
- managing the website and liaising with the web developer
- organising talks, presentations and events, liaising with the PA to Alison Brooks
- managing content for the practice’s social media platforms; LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
- creating and managing of graphic material including lecture presentations, brochures and award submissions
- holding overall responsibility for brand management and corporate identity including template management
- commissioning professional photography and managing the practice image library
- managing and updating of the practice contacts database
- preparing industry awards submissions
Qualities & Skills
- a minimum three years’ experience in a similar role in and architectural /built environment practice
- excellent writing and graphic skills
- a team player with a pro-active approach to all tasks
- highly personable, with the ability to create and maintain creative relationships with colleagues and clients
- self-motivated and dedicated to delivering high-quality creative campaigns
- possess relevant industry contacts and the ability to network with journalists and industry professionals
- experience of event management and networking
- expertise in relevant software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and WordPress
- eligible to work in the UK
In return Alison Brooks Architect offers a generous benefits package and a warm and welcoming team environment.
If you’re a confident and strategic PR & Marketing professional, who’s passionate about architecture please send your CV, stating your notice period and salary expectations to pamela.lawrie@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.
Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer.
We require an experienced and enthusiastic PR & Marketing Manager to manage all Public Relations activities for the Company. Reporting directly to Principal & Creative Director, the person should be outgoing, highly organised and passionate about architecture and the built environment. The position requires a high degree of responsibility, discretion and a proactive team focus. Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
Public Relations
- maintaining and creating relationships with representatives from the media and press including journalists
- identifying press opportunities and raising the profile of the practice
- creating and editing written materials including press releases, newsletters and biographies
New Business
- researching new business & collaboration opportunities
- monitoring online procurement portals
- preparing Expressions of Interest and presentations for prospective clients
- representation at networking & client events
Marketing
- developing the marketing strategy for the company in line with business development plan
- managing the website and liaising with the web developer
- organising talks, presentations and events, liaising with the PA to Alison Brooks
- managing content for the practice’s social media platforms; LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
- creating and managing of graphic material including lecture presentations, brochures and award submissions
- holding overall responsibility for brand management and corporate identity including template management
- commissioning professional photography and managing the practice image library
- managing and updating of the practice contacts database
- preparing industry awards submissions
Qualities & Skills
- a minimum three years’ experience in a similar role in and architectural /built environment practice
- excellent writing and graphic skills
- a team player with a pro-active approach to all tasks
- highly personable, with the ability to create and maintain creative relationships with colleagues and clients
- self-motivated and dedicated to delivering high-quality creative campaigns
- possess relevant industry contacts and the ability to network with journalists and industry professionals
- experience of event management and networking
- expertise in relevant software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and WordPress
- eligible to work in the UK
In return Alison Brooks Architect offers a generous benefits package and a warm and welcoming team environment.
If you’re a confident and strategic PR & Marketing professional, who’s passionate about architecture please send your CV, stating your notice period and salary expectations to pamela.lawrie@alisonbrooksarchitects.com.
Alison Brooks Architects is an equal opportunities employer.
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Building Design: Alison Brooks lands York Castle Museum redevelopment
Building Design has published the announcement of our appointment as Lead Architect & Masterplanner for the York Castle Museum redevelopment.
Building Design has published the announcement of our appointment as Lead Architect & Masterplanner for the York Castle Museum redevelopment.
“The practice will work with Richard Griffiths Architects, Purcell Architecture and Todd Longstaff-Gowan Landscape Design, Real Studios, BDP, Appleyard and Trew, and BuroHappold Engineering on the project, described by the museum as multimillion pound.
York Castle Museum had shortlisted five practices for interview to lead the project: Alison Brooks, Purcell Architecture, Simpson & Brown, Stanton Williams and Wilkinson Eyre.”
To read the full article, click here.
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