Judge Institute of Management Studies

In collaboration with Ove Arup & Partners and Davis Langdon & Everest, Ian Ritchie Architects prepared a strategic approach to the design of the new Judge Institute of Management Studies at Cambridge University.

Our design concept was based upon three primary objectives:
– Eliminating risks
– Planning for growth
– An architecture of today, worthy of the Institute and Cambridge
And the following specific objectives:
– To be environmentally and energy efficient
– To provide flexible “office” accommodation
– To create spaces and opportunities for personal interactions Our proposition was simple. It was based on retaining the existing façade only, creating new linear accommodation set back behind this façade, and creating a new landscaped courtyard with accommodation below.
From the urban design point of view, the discreet placing of the lecture theatres and library below the courtyard level would allow the scale of the existing Addenbrooke’s Hospital to be reduced both in height and volume, releasing the potential for landscaped space to the rear of the building, and placing the apparently much-loved façade in its new pristine condition in a courtyard setting.  Car parking is relegated to a more appropriate position to the rear of the building, which is the main service access point.  Pedestrian and bicycle access would be through the main gates into the courtyard in front of the building.
The image of the building is created by the dramatic but sensitive relationship between the old façade and the new architectural form and elements.
Art is given a primary role in the design of both the courtyard and the new building, which appear as a spatial composition of water, glass and grass surfaces flanked by two simple copper clad walls approximately two metres high below the courtyard. A direct pedestrian route from the entrance gates to the entrance to the Institute crosses this new landscape.
It was also important to recognise not only the natural daylight appearance of the composition, but also that at night.  The proposal allowed the existing façade to reveal its voids lit clearly from within, set against horizontal lines of light in the landscaped court. The overall composition of our proposal was intended to create a symbol for the new Institute, engaging art, the interpretation of that art physically, inventive technique and respect for heritage in the context of central Cambridge.
Ian Ritchie Architects were placed 2nd to John Outram Architects.