School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London

Nicholas Hare Architects were appointed by the School of Oriental and Asian Studies to design this project which combines a highly serviced gallery with a teach- ing building including a 300-seat lecture theatre. These share generous foyer spaces and a cafe.

The Centre for Islamic Art was made possible by a benefaction from the Sultan of Brunei and occupies a very sensitive site in the north-west corner of Russell Square. The tree-lined precinct forms a pleasant public space which also enhances the sense of identity of the School. The project won a Camden Environmental Design Awards in 1998 and was shortlisted for a RIBA award in the same year.“The Centre for Islamic Arts creates a new sense of identity in the university, and sets a standard of building and placemaking which that organisation has been desperately needed for many years.”Architectural Review