Downing 2010 cover opt b_Layout 1 - Downing College - University ...

DOWNING COLLEGE ASSOCIATIONhypothetical version of the site as if it had been built by Downing’s ownarchitects, and thus including not only the original Propylaea (437–32 BC), itselfa model for Wilkins’ proposed north side of the College (never built), butWilkins’ own West range, Downing (1818–21), his County Gaol, Bury StEdmunds (1819) and Nelson’s Column, Great Yarmouth (1815); the scene iscompleted by the Maitland Robinson Library (1992), by Quinlan and FrancisTerry themselves. These dazzling elements shine as adornments to a schemewhich is otherwise deceptively simple in its muted colours and architecturaltreatment of colour and light. The effect is a space uniquely suited to intimatetheatrical and musical performances, but sympathetically incorporating moderncomfort and technology, and infinitely adaptable to public occasions. The leatherseating for example, in muted red, was tailor-made for the auditorium by thedistinguished Italian company Poltrona Frau, and includes a foldaway deskdiscreetly mounted in the armrest. There is state-of-the-art lighting andaudiovisual equipment, and the theatre can be swiftly adapted for conferencepurposes by removal of the forestage and double doors, and exchange of thetrompe l’oeil curtain for a drop-down projector screen. Early uses of the theatre,not only in the opening ceremonies but in the student performance ofVanbrugh’s The Relapse, and in early conferences, have shown the auditorium toexcel as a venue for speech, music and public presentation, and to translateeffectively the intimacy and illusion of a Georgian theatre-space to a modernaudience. This is no mean achievement, and provides the College with a facilityunique to Cambridge, and indeed now one of only three small Georgian theatresin the country. The College owes a great debt of gratitude to the benefactor, DrAlan Howard, in realizing this aim, and to Quinlan and Francis Terry in achievinga fine building, historically informed yet also practical and innovative, whichbefits the College’s notable place in the history of architecture and design.T HE C OLLEGE K ITCHENSThe main kitchen at Downing was completely refurbished as part of the WestRange project during which time the staff operated from a complex of Portakabinsand was reopened in June 2006. Part of the design brief was to provide a facilitythat optimised the space available whilst giving the catering team the type ofequipment and layout that would enable them to provide excellent food and serviceto a wide range of customers and events. (See illustrations on the inside back coverof this Newsletter)On any given day during term the team provide lunch for students, Fellows, andstaff; dinner for students and staff; high table for Fellows and formal hall for students.22