Philip Dowson, Arup Associates (1967-70)
Originally the Nuclear Physics Laboratory, this building (another Philip Dowson design) was later renamed the Denys Wilkinson Building and is home to the Astrophysics and Particle Physics sub-departments of the Physics department of Oxford University.
It comprises two interlocking quads, with its highly distinctive fan-shaped extension at the north west corner – built to accommodate the upper part of an electrostatic particle accelerator.
Whilst this is the building’s defining feature, I can’t help feeling it dates the building. Without it, the balance of the building with its floating cantilevered upper floors would be far more apparent. Must find time to Photoshop this…
Here’s another take on this intriguing building.
Address: Denys Wilkinson Building, University of Oxford, Keble Road, Oxford OX1 3RH
oxford modernist 