Article source: Studio Seilern Architects

Many institutes of learning now seek to educate through self-discovery, enabling students to consider what makes them who they are, so they may begin to take responsibility for their own development.

The design for Wellington College’s new Cultural Quarter, consists of a new 900 seated, 1,200 in total capacity Performing Arts Centre and a 'cultural living room’, a space where students are inspired, and their education can flourish, both through formal and spontaneous performances.

The main auditorium’s circular shape is inspired by historic Greek amphitheatres, creating a building with no edges and angles: a form perpetually recessing into its landscape setting. The site is on the edge of Bracknell forest, and adjacent to some important listed building. The circular shape also helped to integrate the building within this context, acting as a hinge connecting the modern and historic campuses.

Image Courtesy © Hufton+Crow

• Architects: Studio Seilern Architects
• Project: G.W. Annenberg Performing Arts Centre
• Location: Berkshire, UK
• Photography: Hufton+Crow & Kanipak Photography
• Client: Wellington College
• Project Team: Christina Seilern, Henriette Helstrup, Benedikt Sequeira, Ingrida Revuckaite, Tom King Architectural, Alberto Favaro, Oliver Gillespie Sims
• Project Management & QS: Thornton-Firkin
• Theatre Consultant: Charcoalblue
• Structural Engineering: Peter Brett Associates

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