Trinity Hall Masterplan Cambridge

Haworth Tompkins were appointed by Trinity Hall College in 2022 to carry out a strategic Masterplan for their three sites within the city of Cambridge. We are approaching this through a series of key thematic questions:

Sustainability: Trinity Hall shares a responsibility with all institutions to urgently address its contribution to the climate and biodiversity emergency. How can Trinity Hall respond to this at a systemic level –considering not only the imperative to reduce carbon emissions associated with its sites, operations and investments – but also how it can contribute positively to social justice, diversity and wellbeing; and ecological enhancement?

Context: Cambridge is a city in flux, with significant developments at its former periphery potentially shifting the centre of gravity away from the historic collegiate core. How could Trinity Hall, with its three distinct sites, respond to this changing context? How might the acceleration in digital methods of communication, socialization and exchange of information affect the way in which the College is organized physically? In the face of these contextual changes, how can Trinity Hall remain agile, responsive and resilient?

Community: The Collegiate community is not a single entity, but is comprised of several interconnected groups, whose interaction occurs at different scales – from the communal space of a shared kitchen, to the social spaces of common rooms and bars; from learning and studying spaces to ritualistic formal environments such as the Hall and Chapel. Might a future Trinity Hall require different kinds of multi-functional shared spaces for gathering, learning, and socialising? How might these reinforce and enact the communal identity of the College?