After being stung by Stirling, Oxford is giving progressive architecture another go

摘要

In the Stirling Prize's 20-year history, Herzog & de Meuron's Blavatnik School of Government is the first building commissioned by either the University of Oxford, or any of its 38 colleges, to be shortlisted. Given the quantity of new building the university undertakes, the financial resources at its disposal and its function as a crucible for progressive thought, it might be considered surprising that its record of patronage is not more distinguished. What cause could be identified? Awkwardly, a great many in the city would blame the very architect after whom the Stirling Prize is named.