Cambridge | Exploring the Most Magical Business School π§ββοΈ
Judge Business School, Cambridge π΄ The moment we pushed open the door, we were all stunned by the magical hall. Who says business schools have to be formal and stuffy? This business school, converted from a children's hospital, completely exceeded our imagination. All buildings should be like this! ποΈ π΄ Both the facade and the interior use a rich variety of materials, with a mix of colorful bricks and terrazzo, and the irregular ceilings and columns cleverly encase all the facilities. The aerial walkways and staircases seem like they might start rotating at any moment, and the staircases and balconies are designed more like opera boxes! π π΄ The color scheme of the building continues the Victorian era vibe while also incorporating the rugged and bold bones of Brutalist architecture from the same period. It's as if someone suddenly colored a Brutalist building in an instant. (This makes one think of the fact that Greek and Roman white buildings and sculptures were once also so colorful.) π¨ π΄ The building that houses the school is a renovation and extension of the old Addenbrooke's Hospital (a children's hospital), which was first established on this site in 1766. The original Georgian building was expanded again in 1824 and 1834. In 1866, Matthew Digby Wyatt designed a major reconstruction of the hospital, integrating these buildings behind a new facade. π₯ π΄ In 1991, Sir Paul and Lady Judge generously donated the funds to build the new business school. Architect John Outram was appointed to lead the project. ποΈ π΄ Outram converted the protected ward building and arcades and reconstructed the central block of the old Addenbrooke's Hospital into what is now the information center, public lounge, seminar rooms, teaching rooms, balconies, group study rooms, meeting rooms, the main hall of the new college, and the extended spaces. ποΈ π΄ This building is currently a GRADE II* LISTED protected building. If you are an architecture enthusiast visiting Cambridge, do not miss it! I'll end with a photo of my beloved Professor Ed, who is 75 years old and has dedicated his life to the preservation of historic buildings. He worked at the Heritage Fund until retirement and is still diligently taking us around to see buildings every day, teaching and inspiring us. Every time I think about his class ending, I almost cry π₯555 #InterestingArchitecture #ArchitecturalArt #Cambridge #UKArchitecture #HistoricBuildingPreservation #BeautyOfHistoricBuildings #UK #ArchitecturalInspiration