Zaha Hadid`s proposed extension to the Middle East Centre at StAntony`s College in Oxford has been branded `awkward` and `in constantcompetition with its neighbours` by CABE.The commission`s design review panel said the extension – acurvaceous Corian-clad link between two Victorian buildings – needed tobe more `sophisticated and delicate to relate` to the surrounding NorthOxford conservation area.Dubbed the Softbridge, the three-storey scheme is intended to house a reading room, library, storage space and a lecture hall.However, the proposed internal layout of the project also came in for criticism from the design watchdog. The report reads: `It appears unfortunate to position the archiveand reading room behind the large south facing window; we wonderwhether full sunlight and overheating could potentially compromise theusability of this space.` CABE concludes that the scheme – which it admits is on a difficultsite, and succeeds in `evoking a dramatic landscape` – should bereconsidered before detailed plans are submitted. The commission adds: `We do not think a balance between the newMiddle East Centre, the context and the adjacent buildings has yet beenreached. `While we support the concept in principle, in order for thebuilding to live up to its potential and meet the aspiration of thelocal authority, the college and the donor, the issues stated aboveneed to be addressed before the planning permission is given.` Neither the college nor the architect was available for comment.
www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/dailynews/2008/06/zahas_oxford_college_extension_branded_awkward.html