Foster + Partners, the British architecture firm, has revealed plans for the restoration of The Eagle and Child pub in Oxford, UK. This project marks the firm's first venture into public house architecture and represents its smallest undertaking since 2017. The pub, a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1840, is famous for being the meeting place of the Inklings, a renowned literary group that included J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Key Takeaways
- Foster + Partners will restore The Eagle and Child pub in Oxford.
- This is the firm's first pub project and smallest since 2017.
- The pub was a meeting spot for literary figures J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
- The plan includes preserving original character and adding informal workspaces.
- A new cafe and landscaped garden will create an all-day destination.
Preserving History and Adding Modern Functionality
The restoration of The Eagle and Child pub is a collaborative effort. Foster + Partners is working with heritage architects Donald Insall Associates. The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) research facility owns the building. The design team's main goal is to preserve the pub's original character while introducing new features.
The project will transform the vacant pub. Informal workspaces for EIT will be on the upper levels. A new cafe will occupy the lower floors of two adjacent buildings. Foster + Partners aims to make The Eagle and Child an all-day destination, blending its historic charm with modern utility.
"The design preserves the unique character of The Eagle and Child and respects its many layers of history," said Gerard Evenden, head of studio at Foster + Partners. "Our sensitive interventions will create an all-day meeting place by introducing an adjacent cafe and inspirational workspaces for EIT across the upper levels."
Historic Significance
- The Eagle and Child pub opened in 1840.
- It is a Grade II-listed building, recognizing its architectural and historical importance.
- The Inklings, a literary discussion group, met here from the mid-1930s to late 1940s.
- Famous members included J.R.R. Tolkien, author of 'The Lord of the Rings', and C.S. Lewis, author of 'The Chronicles of Narnia'.
Detailed Renovation Plans
Specific areas within the pub will see targeted renovations. The famous Rabbit Room, where the Inklings often met, will undergo a light-touch renovation. Two of the pub's parlor rooms will also receive similar updates. The third parlor room will be reinstated to its original form, enhancing the historical accuracy of the space.
Beyond the pub's traditional areas, Foster + Partners will create new spaces. These new areas, including the cafe and other parts of the pub, will serve as informal, homely workspaces for the Ellison Institute of Technology. This approach aims to integrate the academic community with the historic public space.
Foster + Partners: A Brief Overview
Foster + Partners was founded in 1967 by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Norman Foster. The firm is globally recognized for its high-tech architecture and sustainable design. Its portfolio includes major international projects such as airports, skyscrapers, and cultural institutions. This pub project represents a departure from their usual large-scale endeavors.
Integrating Old and New Elements
The design philosophy embraces the building's evolving history. Any historic, mismatched updates to the pub will be kept. This includes patchwork stone repairs and 1980s roof lights. Foster + Partners views these elements as part of the building's "evolving narrative." This decision highlights a commitment to preserving all layers of the pub's past, not just its earliest forms.
Contemporary additions are also part of the plan. A new dining room extension will be added to the rear of the building. This extension will be designed to complement the existing architecture. The goal is to ensure new structures blend seamlessly with the historic fabric.
The project also includes a significant landscape update. The garden will be revitalized. A historic passageway will be restored. This passageway will connect the pub directly to the new cafe. This linking element aims to create fluid social spaces that transition effortlessly from daytime to nighttime use. The overall scheme emphasizes both preservation and thoughtful modernization, creating a versatile hub for both the public and the EIT community.
Project Scale and Scope
- This is Foster + Partners' first pub project.
- It is the firm's smallest project since designing emergency relief tents for the Red Cross in 2017.
- The collaboration involves heritage architects Donald Insall Associates.
- The owner is the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT).
Future Outlook for The Eagle and Child
The transformation of The Eagle and Child is expected to create a dynamic space. It will serve as a hub for both locals and the EIT community. The blend of a traditional pub atmosphere with modern workspaces and a cafe aims to attract a diverse group of visitors throughout the day. This integrated approach seeks to ensure the pub's long-term viability and continued cultural relevance.
The project reflects a growing trend in urban development: adapting historic buildings for new uses while honoring their past. By preserving the unique character of The Eagle and Child, Foster + Partners is helping to maintain a significant piece of Oxford's heritage. At the same time, they are giving it a new purpose that supports innovation and community interaction.
Gerard Evenden noted, "The scheme is stitched together by a newly landscaped garden and restored passageway between the cafe and the pub – new social spaces that transition effortlessly from day to night." This vision underscores the project's ambition to create a versatile and inviting destination.