Oxfordshire is a wonderful place to live and work for anyone who has an interest in history and the heritage of our built environment. From the grinning Oxford grotesques keeping watch in the city centre, to the rubble stone cottages in the villages, the county is a treasure trove of fascinating buildings which convey a sense of uniqueness helping us to understand our past and connecting us to our communal identity.
The character of both the city and the county is varied and evolving; areas of special architectural or historic interest are protected by designated conservation areas, of which there are currently 18 in Oxford City alone, and many more across the county. The preservation of these historic areas is essential but there is a certain tension between keeping them exactly as they are (or were, when first built) and allowing them to evolve and change, reflecting social and cultural shifts in the city.
We live in a time of enormous global upheaval, where challenges such as lack of affordable housing and climate change are essential considerations when designing new structures; but what of the buildings we already have? Should we be protecting our historic built environment by refusing all new development? Does looking to the future potentially damage our precious heritage? Currently, there is a perception that legislation governing building conservation could limit the opportunities to increase energy efficiency in historic buildings, provide electric car charging points or design contemporary solutions to the way in which we live and work today, all while using building stock that is now several hundred years old.
The onus is on us as designers, to be innovative and sensitive; for clients to be adventurous and bold; and for local authorities to be supportive and forward looking. That way we can ensure that not only does our built heritage survive and continue to be valued, but that our cities and towns thrive in the future.
RIBA chartered Perioli Man Architects are an Oxford-based practice, committed to producing high quality, creative design solutions. Founded in 2005 by joint directors Thomas Man and Sarah Perioli, who each gained considerable experience through working for notable practices both in the UK and South Africa. In addition to their expertise in altering existing historic buildings, they work on residential, education and commercial projects.
They either a full or partial service, from inception to completion, tailored to each project and work closely with a number of established professionals including structural engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, sustainability consultants and planning consultants.
For enquiries or further information visit perioliman.com
With thanks to Vic Crofts for allowing us to use her beautiful images. Find her on Instagram @hubble15