Undercroft Learning Centre, Worcester Cathedral Building, English Architecture Design News
Undercroft Learning Centre, Worcester Cathedral Building
2 May 2022
Five projects have been awarded RIBA West Midlands Awards
The Undercroft Learning Centre, Worcester Cathedral, Worcester, central England, UK
Design: Acanthus Clews Architects

photograph © Andy Marshall
Undercroft Learning Centre, Worcester Cathedral, West Midlands
Through an exercise in exquisite detailing and light-touch intervention, Acanthus Clews have managed to breathe life into the damp vaults of Worcester Cathedral, causing a stir to passers-by who frequently peer through the crafted windows. The conversion of the former monastic storage rooms into the new Undercroft Learning Centre, truly provides an innovative and versatile venue to learn and discover for the whole community.
photograph © Andy Marshall
Unlocking the project was the identification of one section of later rebuilt Victorian vault within the original medieval structure, where the Architect was able to address the complicated access to the vault, allowing it to be opened-up and appreciated by a wide audience. Technical challenges associated with archaeology, environmental conditions in the space and ensuring the former monastic refectory cellar maintained its integrity was a colossal task and one that has been expertly executed.
The normal palette of environmental upgrades and new technologies were not going to be available in such a hist...