Cheng Yu Tung Building

Oxford, South East

Civic Trust Awards Citation

The Cheng Yu Tung Building stands as a distinctive mixed-use landmark in the heart of Oxford, seamlessly integrating teaching, research, retail, healthcare, and student living within an outward-facing fourth quad. 

Unlike many Oxford college buildings, this scheme is prominently located on a main thoroughfare, making it highly visible to the entire community and contributing to the vibrant urban fabric. At its core, the Digital Hub introduces a new dimension to the historic College, offering physical space for diverse events. The ground floor houses retail units along the Cornmarket frontage, while a multi-functional NHS medical facility occupies the Market Street side. Public pedestrian access is facilitated through Market Street, leading into a multi-level forum and study centre. Vertical access to the residential student accommodation on upper floors is provided through stairs and lifts. The mixed-use nature of the Cheng Yu Tung Building ensures sustainability throughout its lifespan. Crafted with Clipsham Stone, a hard Jurassic limestone consistent with the original Jesus College buildings, the five-story structure exhibits elegant minimalism in its detailing. The Market Street elevation captivates with interconnecting planes, balanced forms, and thoughtful proportions, showcasing the architects’ commitment to design excellence. 

Internally, the building features a landscaped quadrangle on the second floor and a multilevel lecture forum with circular rising balconies, creating a splendid and inspiring space. The architects have meticulously considered the carbon footprint, energy supply, and usage, incorporating measures such as PV input, ground source heat pumps, insulation, ventilation, and air tightness. This comprehensive sustainability approach positions the Cheng Yu Tung Building as a forward-looking, environmentally conscious structure. 

Accessibility is a key focus, with all spaces designed to be fully accessible. Lift access between levels, wide routes, powerassisted doors, carefully considered lighting levels, colour contrast, and signage contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all users. The building goes beyond serving its immediate occupants by housing three NHS doctors’ surgeries on the lower two floors, providing enhanced healthcare services to city residents and emphasising its wide civic contribution. 

The Cheng Yu Tung Building successfully realises the principles of openness, legibility, and informality, which are fundamental to the College’s approach. Its versatile spaces encourage various uses and engagement and plans for public lectures and events within the auditorium area highlight the College’s commitment to community outreach and civic involvement.

Judges’ Comments: “This building stands not only as a functional and sustainable asset for the College but also as a dynamic and integrated contributor to the broader Oxford community.”