Opening of Alison Richard Building

The newest building on the University of Cambridge's Sidgwick Site has been named in honour of the previous Vice-Chancellor. This is a beautiful and functional building, and it is very appropriate that it should bear Alison Richard's name." - —Professor William Brown - Professor Dame Alison Richard, who stood down as Vice-Chancellor in September 2010 after serving a memorable seven-year term, came back to Cambridge last week for the formal opening of the Alison Richard Building. The Alison Richard Building is the new home for the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities  and for the Department of Politics and International Studies which includes the Centre of African Studies, the Centre of Development Studies, the Centre of Latin American Studies, and the Centre of South Asian Studies. Designed by Nicholas Hare Architects, the £15 million environmentally excellent building enhances opportunities for academic synergy and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. The design preserves the identity of each group whilst creating areas where researchers can come together. An atrium acts as an important reception area for national and international visitors as well as a hub for conferences and exhibitions. The ground floor, with a cafe, is open to all Sidgwick site, University and College users.