Oxford and Cambridge Architecture

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Oxford and Cambridge universities in the United Kingdom share many features, since Cambridge was built by students from Oxford. It considers the various prominent features of both universities in order to identify the similarities and differences. It also examines how both are great examples of different building styles over the centuries. It looks at how Oxford is the oldest university city in the UK, how it features wide streets and has more than 650 buildings listed for their historical or architectural merit. In contrast, Cambridge was not founded as a university city, but as a city of the Roman Empire, founded in 43AD by the Roman emperor Cantabrigensis. The first university was only built in 1134, although many of the fairly insignificant features of the city remained in place.

From the Paper:

"Sir Christopher Wren was also involved in the building of the Sheldonian Theater. The classical theatre was Wren's first large scale work. It opend in 1669, and was modelled on the roman theater of Marcellus. Robert Streeter painted the ceiling to give the impression of an open sky. The cuppola gives a view of the city's spires. The theater is currently used for degree cermonies. Additionally, Encaenia, a ceremony taking place during the month of June, takes place here. During this ceremony the founders of the university are remembered, while famous and deserving people also receive honorary degrees. Concerts and lectures are also held here (Pictures of England, 2003)."

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