The Cripps building is the product of an optimistic era in which Cambridge University was expanding and benefiting from a growing influx of state school pupils. The new universities were setting the architectural pace and the ancient universities were not to be left behind. Powell & Moya’s contextual modernism provided an ideal solution to the problem of slotting new buildings into sensitive historic locations. As Philip Powell explained, “whilst never containing courtyards itself, the building gives the effect of courtyards by its confrontations with other buildings or with other parts of itself, continuing the collegiate pattern of court following court established by older parts of the college”.

Kenneth Powell

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Listed: Grade II*