HOMERTON’S DINING Hall has been shortlisted for a prestigious award celebrating excellence in architecture.
The innovative dining hall, completed in 2022, is among seventeen projects on the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) regional East awards, with the winner going through to the national award stage to be announced in the summer.
The Dining Hall - combining a light timber structure with aqueous green and pink concrete - aims to challenge the image of a traditional Cambridge dining hall, and reflect Homerton’s values of inclusivity and diversity.
Welcoming the announcement, Homerton Principal Lord Simon Woolley said: “This is wonderful news. We are pleased that its spectacular architecture is so strong, but what happens inside of it is its unique selling point because inside is a place to belong, to thrive, and to have a sense of unity that we at Homerton pride ourselves about.
“There have been a number of spectacular dinners here, not least the Black History Month dinner with fashion icon Naomi Campbell and many guests. Those who were present can attest it was an evening they will never forget.”
The Dining Hall design was influenced by Homerton’s vision to deliver social value in the college and wider society, and to serve as a key venue for events which bring people together and stimulate conversations.
It was designed by Fergus Feilden and Edmund Fowles, of Feilden Fowles, who are both under 40 years of age, and built by Barnes Construction.
The building was designed with sustainability in mind, and the wooden paneling to catch the light. The hall opens up into the Buttery offering a calm and friendly environment.
Last year, RIBA appointed its first Black president, architect Muyiwa Oki, who was aged just 32 when he took up the role. Oki has spoken about wanting a fairer, more inclusive architectural community.
RIBA’s Sterling Prize is highly coveted and was won last year by the John Morden Centre in Blackheath, London.
The shortlisted candidates, including Homerton, will be visited by a jury in the spring.
Chairman of RIBA East's jury, Gavin Henderson, said: "The diverse range of projects shortlisted this year reflects the breadth of architectural talent and the ambition of clients working across the region.
"It is particularly encouraging to see schemes that embrace high levels of sustainability, while also focusing on enhancing the experience and wellbeing of their occupants.
"These are projects that respond with ingenuity to contemporary challenges and their unique contexts, creating characterful places of lasting value."
