“A very red, very large, alien spacecraft.” That is how some visitors describe the Florey Building when they first see it. We are standing in front of this modernist student accommodation. It’s beside the River Cherwell.
The Florey Building is part of The Queen’s College. It was designed by James Stirling. The Royal Institute of Architects named the Stirling Prize for Architecture after him.
Let’s delve into the story behind this unusual building. The Provost of the college, Lord Florey, wanted something special. He desired the best building. He hoped it would attract the best students. He also sought to draw in research funding. Florey didn’t want a building that was boxy and dull. He wanted a building admired by architects.
At the time, Stirling was not yet a celebrity architect. He had designed the Engineering Department in Leicester. He also designed the History Faculty in Cambridge. Both buildings featured red tiles. The Florey Building became the last of Stirling’s Red Trilogy.
These three university buildings used red industrial bricks and tiles. They also used cheap factory glazing systems. Their sculptural forms stood out against the minimal post-war architecture. They were seen as exciting and dynamic. Stirling quickly became a star among architects.
Florey supported Stirling’s design. However, there was a great deal of local opposition. Some members of Queen’s College found the architect arrogant and difficult. Florey passed away unexpectedly in 1968 as building began. This left Stirling’s opponents to manage the project.
The building’s appearance and technical performance were not well received. This dislike extended to Stirling himself. Senior academics advised colleagues not to hire Stirling. As a result, Stirling built very little in the UK for almost 18 years. However, he won commissions in Germany. He also became a professor at Yale. He even won prizes in Japan.
The Florey Building was completed between 1968 and 1971. The completion was delayed because of construction drawings. The design was influenced by the Bauhaus movement. It uses bold forms to highlight each part of the building’s function.
The Florey Building is set back from the road. It is designed in a horseshoe shape. The open side faces north. Residential rooms feature floor-to-ceiling glazing. These face the inner court of the building. Small windows face outward. Each room has a view across the River Cherwell.
There are 74 single rooms over four levels. The top level has double-height gallery rooms. These were intended for graduates. There is also an apartment for a fellow. But the building now houses first-year undergraduates.
Electric underfloor heating warms the rooms. Double glazing was initially rejected due to cost. However, rooms have since been retrofitted. This improves energy efficiency.
The Florey Building was intended to be approached from the river. This access route was never completed. Access is now through a small car park.
Despite controversy, the Florey Building is now listed. It is recognized for its forward-looking qualities. Architects from around the world visit it.
Charles Jencks praised Stirling as the best architect of his generation. Despite problems during construction, Stirling’s work has been recognized. The Royal Institute of British Architects named their prize after him. Though privately owned, architects frequently visit the Florey Building.
The Twentieth Century Society helped it get Grade II* listing. This protects it from damaging alterations.
So, as we stand here, remember the Florey Building. It represents a bold vision. It reflects architectural innovation. It is a testament to Stirling’s enduring legacy.