publications
Windward House’s ‘Stair for 100 Objects’ featured in November issue of House and Garden Windward House
November 10, 2023
“Alison Brooks designed this staircase (constructed by AJ Lowther) to include a place to display her client’s collection of ethnographic art and dubbed it the ‘Stair for 100 Objects’. Aside from the walnut stair treads, the structure was assembled and welded off-site, then lowered into place. Covered in multiple layers of matt black paint, the steel elements have aged well, says Alison, ‘After more than 10 years, they show no sign of wear and tear’.”
Read the full article here.
“Alison Brooks designed this staircase (constructed by AJ Lowther) to include a place to display her client’s collection of ethnographic art and dubbed it the ‘Stair for 100 Objects’. Aside from the walnut stair treads, the structure was assembled and welded off-site, then lowered into place. Covered in multiple layers of matt black paint, the steel elements have aged well, says Alison, ‘After more than 10 years, they show no sign of wear and tear’.”
Read the full article here.
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100 Women: Architects in Practice
August 25, 2023
Alison Brooks is honoured to be writing the Foreword for this essential book: a much-needed project to publicly acknowledge, disseminate and celebrate the work of great women architects in practice.
Alison Brooks is honoured to be writing the Foreword for this essential book: a much-needed project to publicly acknowledge, disseminate and celebrate the work of great women architects in practice.
RIBA Bookshop:
‘Through illustrated interviews, each woman shares how they are responding to a profound disconnect between architecture and the people and landscape it serves. Their visions, methods and models of leadership are essential to connecting the needs of humans and the planet.’
Available for pre-orders now, order your copy here.
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Unity Place featured in new Architecture Foundation book, ‘At Home in London: The Mansion Block’ Unity Place
May 19, 2023
Our award-winning project Unity Place has been featured in the most recent Architecture Foundation book, ‘At Home in London: The Mansion Block’, exploring the history and evolution of the iconic London typology through 27 significant projects.
Our award-winning project Unity Place has been featured in the most recent Architecture Foundation book, ‘At Home in London: The Mansion Block’, exploring the history and evolution of the iconic London typology through 27 significant projects.
Co-published with Mack Books, the publication explores the history and evolution of the London mansion block from the 1850s to the present day through 27 significant projects. Urban historian Karin Templin has edited the publication to offer a detailed encounter with the type and its role in defining the contemporary city.
Alison Brooks Architects first explored the mansion block as a typology back in 2010 with Ely Court, the first one of three projects for Brent Council in South Kilburn. As a strategy to restore the human scale and character of South Kilburn, our three modern mansion blocks follow six key principles from the type:
– Open ended bar buildings
– Frequent street facing communal entrances
– Two dwellings per floor/ per stair & lift core
– 100% dual aspect dwellings
– High ceilings and generous proportions
– Articulated roofscapes
View or purchase the book here.
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Six-Spread Feature for The Plan Magazine
April 11, 2023
The Practice was highlighted in the March 2023 global issue of THE PLAN Magazine. The complimentary article featured original drawings and images of Homerton College, the LSE Global Hub, Windward House, Cadence and Exeter College’s Cohen Quad.
Read the article here.
Cohen Quad Featured in Times Higher Education
March 11, 2023
Rector of Exeter College Oxford, Sir Rick Trainor, wrote of his experience in delivering the Cohen Quad for his 700 year-old institution. He concluded:
“Yet the project’s overall approach – its inclusive vision, continuing dialogue with architects, blend of tradition and innovation, complementarity to existing buildings, outward orientation, emphasis on sustainability, informality and flexibility – may have relevance to a variety of higher education institutions as they face decisions concerning their physical environment.”
Read the full article here.
Rector of Exeter College Oxford, Sir Rick Trainor, wrote of his experience in delivering the Cohen Quad for his 700 year-old institution. He concluded:
“Yet the project’s overall approach – its inclusive vision, continuing dialogue with architects, blend of tradition and innovation, complementarity to existing buildings, outward orientation, emphasis on sustainability, informality and flexibility – may have relevance to a variety of higher education institutions as they face decisions concerning their physical environment.”
Read the full article here.
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‘The Pioneers of Cross-Laminated Timber Construction’ The Smile
February 24, 2023
The Smile was the cover feature and first project to be explored in Archdaily’s article covering the ‘Meteoric Rise of Cross-Laminated Timber’.
The Smile was the cover feature and first project to be explored in Archdaily’s article covering the ‘Meteoric Rise of Cross-Laminated Timber’.
The article referenced the landmark fully timber project made in collaboration with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Arup, and the London Design Festival. Showcasing the structural and spatial potential of cross-laminated American tulipwood The Smile uses CLT’s structural capacity to cantilever visitors in its 34m-long curve, up to three meters above the ground, without additional support.
Read the full Archdaily article here.
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“A Genuine Evolution of the Collegiate Tradition.” Exeter College Cohen Quad
September 20, 2022
Ben Flatman of BD praised the Exeter College Cohen Quad in his recent building study, stating that, “(the) Cohen Quad is a living manifestation of what the contemporary, inclusive, Oxford college has become.”
To read the full commendatory article, click here.
Ben Flatman of BD praised the Exeter College Cohen Quad in his recent building study, stating that, “(the) Cohen Quad is a living manifestation of what the contemporary, inclusive, Oxford college has become.”
To read the full commendatory article, click here.
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House of the Year Cover Feature for House and Garden Magazine Windward House
June 6, 2022
“It is not so surprising that you end up with the best house when you work with the best architect,” opened client David Clifford in House and Garden’s commendatory article.
Read the full feature here.
Cohen Quad featured in Architektur Fachmagazin Exeter College Cohen Quad
June 1, 2022
The Exeter College Cohen Quad was featured in the May / June issue of achitektur fachmagazin.
The Exeter College Cohen Quad was featured in the May / June issue of achitektur fachmagazin.
“Mithilfe von Licht und Transparenz, hochwertigen Materialien und diversen informellen Treffpunkten realisierten die Architekten rund um Alison Brooks einen Campus, der für weit mehr als nur akademische Leistung steht. Sie hoffen, dass die nächsten Generationen den Bildungsbau nutzen, um eine Zukunft voller Menschlichkeit, Inklusion und Empathie zu schaffen. Nun liegt es an den künftigen Hochschülern der Eliteuniversität, diese Vision in die Tat umzusetzen – der architektonische Grundstein scheint mit Cohen Quad erfolgreich gelegt zu sein.”
English translation:
“With the help of light and transparency, high-quality materials and various informal meeting places, Alison Brooks Architects created a campus that stands for much more than just academic achievement. They hope that the next generations will use the educational building to create a future full of humanity, inclusion and empathy. Now it is up to the future students of the elite university to put this vision into practice – the architectural foundation stone seems to have been successfully laid with Cohen Quad.”
Subscribe to Austrian magazine, or read the online article here.
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Cultural Formations Featured in Varsity
April 11, 2022
“Deftly combining explorations into local history and collective memory with a celebration of modern architectural craft, ABA envisions a diverse urban environment in which buildings are shaped by, and for, their community.”
Varsity‘s Zoe Turoff penned this glowing review of our recent exhibition ‘Cultural Formations’. →
“Deftly combining explorations into local history and collective memory with a celebration of modern architectural craft, ABA envisions a diverse urban environment in which buildings are shaped by, and for, their community.”
Varsity‘s Zoe Turoff penned this glowing review of our recent exhibition ‘Cultural Formations’. →
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FT | Wanted: more architectural careers designed for women
March 8, 2022
“Culturally, we still expect women to bear the primary role of childcare and running a home.” – in conversation with FT, Alison Brooks reflects on the career-structure problem for women architects. →
Azure | Alison Brooks Architects: Cultural Formations – Selected Works 2002-2022
February 10, 2022
“One of the most exciting and innovative contemporary architectural practices, Alison Brooks Architects is the subject of an upcoming exhibition at Clare Hall.” – Azure →
Dezeen | Alison Brooks’ ‘intriguing and distinguished’ farmhouse extension named UK’s best new home
December 8, 2021
A celebration of domestic life shared with an extraordinary collection of art, our house impressed the judges as a “complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered.” →
The Observer | Rowan Moore | Buildings this good should be available everywhere: Oxford unveils two new quads Exeter College Cohen Quad
November 28, 2021
“From its big, sheltering roof to its little desk windows, Alison Brooks Architects’ new quad for Exeter College, Oxford is a tour de force that puts people first.” — Rowan Moore for the Observer →
The AJ | Alison Brooks wins 2021 Manser Medal – AJ House of the Year
November 17, 2021
Windward House by Alison Brooks Architects has won the Manser Medal for the best completed house in the UK, part of the AJ Architecture Awards.
‘This rework of an existing house and new extension, connecting out to a sequence of walled gardens, deeply impressed the judges as a complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered’, writes Rob Wilson, for the Architect’s Journal →
Windward House by Alison Brooks Architects has won the Manser Medal for the best completed house in the UK, part of the AJ Architecture Awards.
‘This rework of an existing house and new extension, connecting out to a sequence of walled gardens, deeply impressed the judges as a complete piece of architecture – beautifully executed and considered’, writes Rob Wilson, for the Architect’s Journal →
Alison Brooks Architects selected as one of the 25 best architecture firms in London
November 14, 2021
The platform for architecture and design Archello selected Alison Brooks Architects as one of the 25 best architecture firms in London, alongside Foster + Parners, Zaha Hadid Architects, and others. →
Monocle | Care to take a seat
November 11, 2021
Alison Brooks is featured in Monocle reflecting on ‘Kitchen Stool’, a collaboration with Felix de Pass for the 2014 London Design Festival. Manufactured by Benchmark, the design in solid American Cherry was partly inspired by Alison’s childhood in Ontario.
Alison Brooks is featured in Monocle reflecting on ‘Kitchen Stool’, a collaboration with Felix de Pass for the 2014 London Design Festival. Manufactured by Benchmark, the design in solid American Cherry was partly inspired by Alison’s childhood in Ontario.
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Architectural Record: Snapshot
September 11, 2021
The AJ | Alison Brooks wins Homerton College contest
August 4, 2021
Alison Brooks Architects has won an invited two-stage competition to design a porters lodge and entrance to Homerton College in Cambridge. →
Dezeen | Alison Brooks Architects unveils mass timber entrance block for Cambridge college
August 4, 2021
“Alison Brooks Architects‘ design was the winning entry of a competition held by Homerton College that called for a pioneering example of sustainable design.” — Lizzie Crook, Dezeen →
“Alison Brooks Architects‘ design was the winning entry of a competition held by Homerton College that called for a pioneering example of sustainable design.” — Lizzie Crook, Dezeen →
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The Sunday Times Home | Hugh Graham | New Build Better
July 25, 2021
The Effect Magazine: The return of the curve: inside 2021’s curved furniture trend
June 29, 2021
“Alison Brooks Architects’ Cadence project in King’s Cross, London is one sign that curves exert a fascination. Since buildings are with us for longer than furniture trends, they’re a reliable barometer of how tastes are evolving” — Dominic Lutyens for Effect Magazine →
Building London | BBC Radio 3
June 28, 2021
For the ‘Building London’ episode, Alison Brooks joined Eric Parry (Eric Parry Architects) and presenter Laurence Scott to discuss the development of London, as part of the London Festival of Architecture.
For the ‘Building London’ episode, Alison Brooks joined Eric Parry (Eric Parry Architects) and presenter Laurence Scott to discuss the development of London, as part of the London Festival of Architecture.
Follow the link to revisit the episode → https://bbc.in/3xM70oF
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The AJ | Venice Architecture Biennale 2021: more framework than built work
May 28, 2021
“Meanwhile Alison Brooks shows a small cityscape of current urban projects, with each building’s model lifted away from its ground floor, which read Nolli plan-like, showing how their communal spaces act as thresholds and connectors out to the public realm.” — Rob Wilson →
Wallpaper | Venice Architecture Biennale 2021: a year late but somehow right on time
May 26, 2021
“Future Assembly is a collective exhibition in the Central Pavilion, Giardini, which is part of the main show. It is a collaboration between artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behmann’s Studio Other Spaces and six co-designers. The installations explore the answer to the question: What could a multilateral assembly of the future look like?” — Amah-Rose Abrams →
“Future Assembly is a collective exhibition in the Central Pavilion, Giardini, which is part of the main show. It is a collaboration between artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behmann’s Studio Other Spaces and six co-designers. The installations explore the answer to the question: What could a multilateral assembly of the future look like?” — Amah-Rose Abrams →
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Cobo | Home Ground
May 26, 2021
According to Herbert Wright, “The 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale is a Timely Survey of Architecture’s Role in Building Human Connections Across Geographical and Cultural Divides.”
According to Herbert Wright, “The 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale is a Timely Survey of Architecture’s Role in Building Human Connections Across Geographical and Cultural Divides.”
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Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion
May 11, 2021
Alison Brooks is pleased to be featured in Randy Deutsch’s new book “Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion” (RIBA Publishing, 2021).
Alison Brooks is pleased to be featured in Randy Deutsch’s new book “Adapt As An Architect: A Mid-Career Companion” (RIBA Publishing, 2021).
Drawing insights from various international practices, the publication aims to support the growth of architects in the developing stages of their careers. → bit.ly/3y633w2
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La Repubblica | Mostre, Arte e Fotografia
May 1, 2021
NLA London Tall Buildings Survey 2021 | Cadence
April 15, 2021
Delighted to have Cadence, King’s Cross featured in NLA London‘s annual Tall Buildings Survey. Released today, the report presents new data and reflects on the impact of the pandemic on London’s tall buildings pipeline. Explore the full report →
Raising the Roof | Agata Toromanoff
April 1, 2021
Agata Toromanoff‘s new book “Raising the Roof – Women Architects Who Broke Through the Glass Ceiling” celebrates the achievements of women architects in every corner of the world. Alison Brooks is delighted to be in the company of such inspirational professionals.
Agata Toromanoff‘s new book “Raising the Roof – Women Architects Who Broke Through the Glass Ceiling” celebrates the achievements of women architects in every corner of the world. Alison Brooks is delighted to be in the company of such inspirational professionals.
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Alison Brooks | Telegraph Luxury Magazine
April 1, 2021
This week’s Telegraph Luxury Magazine features Alison talking to Caroline Roux alongside other ground breaking female architects – Farshid Moussavi, Eva Jiricna, Stephanie Macdonald, Jee Liu and Sadie Morgan.
This week’s Telegraph Luxury Magazine features Alison talking to Caroline Roux alongside other ground breaking female architects – Farshid Moussavi, Eva Jiricna, Stephanie Macdonald, Jee Liu and Sadie Morgan.
“Last year Alison Brooks completed one of the UK’s most stunning private houses, in the Wye Valley. She added a black-clad extension to an 18th-century farmhouse, and inside has created the ideal setting for her client’s huge collection of tribal artefacts. ‘It’s been a 10-year project,’ she says. ‘It’s amazing to work so closely with a client, because you are telling their story. But I bring the same care to social housing. I’d never design anything I didn’t want to live in myself.’
Brooks has built theatres, galleries, and was the first woman to design a major addition to an Oxford college. The Cohen Quad at Exeter College, completed in 2019, is an extraordinary S-shaped building with internal cloisters composed of spruce fins.”…
Photographs by Tereza CERVENOVA Styling by Tara GREVILLE
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Do Build – How to make and lead a business the world needs | Alan Moore
February 18, 2021
Alison Brooks Architects are delighted to be featured in Alan Moore’s new book “Do Build – How to make and lead a business the world needs”, which draws on his years of research into progressive businesses across the globe.
Alison Brooks Architects are delighted to be featured in Alan Moore’s new book “Do Build – How to make and lead a business the world needs”, which draws on his years of research into progressive businesses across the globe.
By speaking to their purpose-driven founders, he discovers that it is possible to lead with generosity and promote a company culture where individuals flourish. The publication shares examples of best practice and invites us to create a more inclusive, constructive and purpose-driven future.
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Alison Brooks Architects Named as One of Britain’s Top Ten Architects in this Month’s Avontuura
December 9, 2020
Alison Brooks Architects named as one of Britain’s top 10 architects in this month’s Avontuura alongside Adjaye Associates, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick, Zaha Hadid, and others.
Alison Brooks Architects named as one of Britain’s top 10 architects in this month’s Avontuura alongside Adjaye Associates, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick, Zaha Hadid, and others.
“There’s a timelessness to Alison Brooks Architect’s work that I find quite interesting. First and foremost, their designs are beautiful; but the creativity and research-driven aspect of their practice are what I find most interesting. Their buildings are sensitive to their place while speaking concurrently to their future, and each project has a sculptural quality to it that isn’t lost in detailing. Some of their more well-known work includes the Quarterhouse in Folkestone and Exeter College Cohen Quad in Oxford (pictured).”
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Wood Awards 2020: A Treasured Wooden Object
November 26, 2020
In celebration of the 2020 Wood Awards, Alison Brooks shared ‘A Treasured Wooden Object’ with Disegno Works.
In celebration of the 2020 Wood Awards, Alison Brooks shared ‘A Treasured Wooden Object’ with Disegno Works.
“These carved maple wood scrolls, each about 30cm long, hang as a pair on a wall in my living room. They formed part of my mother’s collection of 18th- and 19th-century “Canadiana”, which is the unassuming name for the art of Canada’s early settlers.”
Read the full article at the Wood Awards website.
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Alison Brooks Architects named Dezeen Architect of the Year 2020
November 24, 2020
We’re delighted to receive this recognition from Dezeen’s international jury and honoured to be in the company of NADAA, Studio Gang, MAD, Lever Architecture and Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architect.
We’re delighted to receive this recognition from Dezeen’s international jury and honoured to be in the company of NADAA, Studio Gang, MAD, Lever Architecture and Carl Fredrik Svenstedt Architect.
With huge thanks to all our clients and colleagues for supporting our work and practice ethos outlined in our statement.
With very best wishes!
Alison Brooks & the ABA Team
JUDGES’ COMMENTS
The judges said that the practice is “conscious and questioning, and adopts a public interest approach and that this is the direction we want architecture to move towards”. They described Alison Brooks Architects as “a groundbreaking practice with great ethos – particularly the way that they question both norms and the profession itself.”
The Dezeen awards aim to identify the world’s best architecture, interiors and design, as well as the studios and the individual architects and designers producing the most outstanding work. This year the awards received more than 4,300 entries from over 85 countries across five continents.
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Atoll Spa Hotel at the BauNetz magazine
November 20, 2020
Alison Brooks Architect’s Atoll Spa Hotel has been selected by design magazine BauNetz as one of the Best Hotels and Restaurants in the World from the last 20 years.
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Alison Brooks Architect’s Atoll Spa Hotel has been selected by design magazine BauNetz as one of the Best Hotels and Restaurants in the World from the last 20 years.
The Helgoland hotel is featured alongside ten other magnificent places to add to the post lockdown to-do-list, including Philippe Starck’s Sanderson Hotel in London; ‘Under’, Snøhetta’s underwater restaurant; and Hotel Puerta America, Madrid, where each floor was designed by luminaries such as Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, David Chipperfield or Ron Arad.
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Read Alison Brooks’ Interview with the University of Waterloo Magazine
02.11.2020
University of Waterloo magazine has published an interview with Alison Brooks where she talks about her book ”Ideals then Ideas” and how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored and reinforced her studio’s ultimate purpose, which is ”improving the quality of life for everybody.”
University of Waterloo magazine has published an interview with Alison Brooks where she talks about her book ”Ideals then Ideas” and how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored and reinforced her studio’s ultimate purpose, which is ”improving the quality of life for everybody.”
”At the end of the day, it’s about trying to make the world a better place. In architecture, we are physically forming the places where people will live, work and play, and so there is a responsibility in that. You must bring joy, bring your ideals and bring that magic to solving problems that impact a lot of people.”
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Open City – Common Cause
10.06.2020
Alison Brooks is a Trustee of Open City, a charity dedicated to the idea that architecture and urban design must make our built environment more accessible and inclusive to everyone. In this article, she discusses the post-covid 19 period with optimism.
Alison Brooks is a Trustee of Open City, a charity dedicated to the idea that architecture and urban design must make our built environment more accessible and inclusive to everyone. In this article, she discusses the post-covid 19 period with optimism.
https://open-city.org.uk/blog/common-cause
The reset button being pushed by the pandemic is a chance for human culture to change for the better. “Times of crisis can bring out the best in people. Inevitably, they make us see the world through a new lens. This coronavirus pandemic is perhaps the first time humanity is seeing the world through a common lens. Suddenly we’re all on the same side, acutely conscious of our interdependence.”
In an interview with Dezeen published last month, Alison Brooks also states that coronavirus is forcing architects to reconsider the importance of amenities like balconies and terraces, as well as space in general. “Whether or not there’s a pandemic, it’s really important to have those outdoor spaces,” she told Dezeen’s Marcus Fairs. “I think there’s going to be a value shift.”
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Building Design: Alison Brooks gets OK for biggest project yet
17.12.2019
Architect’s 38-storey Vancouver regeneration scheme clears key planning hurdles. The residential-led mixed-use development in Vancouver includes a 38-storey tower as well as mansion-block and point-block elements.
Architect’s 38-storey Vancouver regeneration scheme clears key planning hurdles. The residential-led mixed-use development in Vancouver includes a 38-storey tower as well as mansion-block and point-block elements.
The practice’s The Passages scheme, earmarked for the Canadian city’s Surrey district, will deliver 90,000 sqm of new space – including 1,126 homes, 2,700 sqm of amenity space, and 1,683 sqm of retail and commercial space.
Brooks said Surrey city centre had a desire to create a high-density, transport-oriented and walkable downtown core to address “critical housing need”, and that the character of tall buildings and how they merged to form a beautiful skyline with “humane and diverse streetscapes” had been a key design driver.
“The proposal for The Passages on Whalley Boulevard is for an open city block, with free-flowing public space at its heart, lined by a mix of uses which aim to serve its residents and the wider city of Surrey,” the practice said.
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