The John Henry Brookes Building stands tall. A modern marvel of glass and steel. It dominates the Headington campus. This isn’t just any building. This is the heart of Oxford Brookes University. A testament to its namesake John Henry Brookes. A man whose vision transformed technical and art education.
John Henry Brookes. A name synonymous with Oxford Brookes University. He wasn’t just a principal. He was a driving force. A passionate advocate for accessible education. His relentless campaigning secured a new campus. He moved the college from disparate buildings across Oxford. He united art and technology under one roof. A monumental task.
Imagine the struggles. The bureaucracy. The opposition. Yet Brookes persevered. His unwavering belief in the power of education fueled his efforts. His dream was a single campus. A place where art and technology could flourish together. The Headington site became his ‘Promised Land’. A place where students could thrive. The John Henry Brookes Building is the culmination of that dream.
The building opened in 2014. It houses the library teaching spaces and student support services. Even the Students’ Union found its home within those walls. The architectural design is as impressive as its function. A winner of multiple awards. Including a prestigious RIBA National Award. A symbol of excellence.
This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. This is about a legacy. A legacy of vision. A legacy of perseverance. A legacy of accessible education. A legacy woven into the very fabric of this building. It is the culmination of years of struggle and success. Every detail of the John Henry Brookes Building reflects this. When you leave here take a moment. Reflect on the remarkable story of John Henry Brookes. The man who inspired a university. The man whose spirit lives on in this magnificent building.