Issue 45 Feb 25 web - Flipbook - Page 98
An artful balance of preservation
and intervention: rejuvenating
Exeter College Library
Helen Warren, Associate heritage consultant, Donald Insall Associates and Michele Verdi,
Associate architect, Donald Insall Associates
A scheme designed by Nex— and Donald Insall Associates, fusing sensitive repairs and thoughtful
contemporary interventions, has delivered transformative improvements to the Library’s condition,
study spaces, sustainability and accessibility.
The colleges of Oxford and Cambridge occupy a unique
place in the heritage of the nation. Despite originally
being places of religious scholarship, they avoided the fate
of abbeys and convents, which were destroyed during
Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. Remarkably,
these scholarly communities survive today, with sites and
buildings continuing to be used and occupied in much
the same way as they were originally intended; as places
of communal learning. This combination of historic
architecture and the continuation of centuries-old
collegiate traditions defines both cities. Ensuring that
these historic buildings are protected whilst also remaining relevant to modern-day needs is a delicate balance.
We have collaborated with Nex— on a building that
lies at the heart of one of the colleges, in the historic
core of Oxford: the Library at Exeter College, built in
c. 1856-7 by the builders Symm & Co. of Oxford to
designs by the architect George Gilbert Scott.
Conservation principles
The following key principles have guided our work;
Understanding significance upfront: Our work on the
condition, history and significance of the building
informed the development of the proposals, guiding
where there was scope for change and enhancement,
and where there was a need for preservation and repair.
Each iteration of the design process was considered in
light of these primary considerations of significance.
Change is essential. Conservation is the process of
managing that change.
Our vision is not only to ‘make good’, but to ‘make
better’. This meant identifying work to enhance the
heritage significance of the Library and people’s ability
to appreciate it; interventions which increased its
environmental performance and resilience; and interventions to ensure it remains viable in its optimum,
original use as a college library.
