Cambridge Architectural Research - Why do we need Libraries?
September 2024

Associate Tim Allen-Booth gave a talk on the New College Library at Magdalene College Cambridge as part of an event on the future of libraries organised by Cambridge Architectural Research as part of their Showroom series. CAR helped Magdalene to write the brief for the new library and it was fascinating to hear the story of its development. An enjoyable evening of discussion concluded with a dusk tour of the library kindly facilitated by the College.
Auckland Castle Competition Win
February 2014

Niall McLaughlin Architects and Purcell have won the competition to transform Auckland Castle in County Durham into a national museum of religion and religious art. The former historic home of the bishops of Durham, the castle is considered to be the third most historically significant ecclesiastical complex in Europe, after the Vatican and Avignon. Auckland Castle was bought by businessman and philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer who aims to turn it into a major visitor attraction and heritage site in the North East. The client hopes to receive funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund in support of the project and set up the Auckland Castle Trust to oversee the restoration and development of the castle and grounds. The central attraction will be the rare paintings by Spanish artist Francisco de Zurbarán, considered to be some of the most significant religious treasures in Europe and part of the castle’s history for more than 250 years.
Auckland Castle Website