Spencer Building at Corpus Christi College Shortlisted for RIBA South Awards 2026
The Spencer Building has officially been named among the thirteen architectural projects shortlisted for the RIBA South Awards 2026. This recognition places the contemporary addition to the historic Oxford institution into regional contention for architectural excellence.
Architectural Recognition in Oxford
As part of the ongoing evaluation process, a regional jury will visit all shortlisted entries to assess their design, integration, and execution. Winners for the regional category will be revealed later in the spring. Successful projects will subsequently be evaluated for notable regional distinctions, including the RIBA South Sustainability Award and Building of the Year. Further progression could lead to consideration for a RIBA National Award during the summer months.
RIBA South Jury Chair Claire Taggart highlighted the broad scope and quality of the selected entries, noting a strong emphasis on sustainable design approaches, low-carbon construction methods, and ambitions toward net-zero strategies.
Design and Historic Integration
Designed by Wright & Wright Architects, the project navigated a complex set of historical constraints within the Oxford college setting. The structure works around a medieval wall and listed facade while establishing a functional link to the institution's historic Old Library.
Clare and Sandy Wright, Founding Partners at Wright & Wright Architects, expressed their appreciation for the shortlisting, emphasizing the unique challenge of working within a historic campus environment while achieving environmental standards. The project is notable for achieving full Passivhaus certification while retaining Grade I listed building fabric.
Visitors interested in learning more about the architecture can explore the Spencer Building Booklet or read Clare Wright’s detailed account in the Sundial article.
To plan a visit and explore more cultural sites and historic architecture across the city, you can browse upcoming exhibitions and spaces using Musemap (musemap.art), view the interactive map view, or search for specific museums and collections.
