Somerville College is proud to announce that we will shortly begin construction on a flagship building at the heart of the University of Oxford’s new Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, enabled by a significant philanthropic donation from the Tata Group.
This building represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand Somerville’s teaching and learning space, support research with global impact and articulate our College’s vision of a sustainable and forward-looking academic community.
The project is made possible by the decade-long friendship between Somerville College and Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, Mr Ratan Tata. While the decision to name the new building in honour of Mr Tata in recognition for his lifelong work as a philanthropist and humanitarian was taken some time ago, his death last week, felt so keenly throughout India and the world, gives even greater meaning to this lasting tribute to him.
Two exterior views of the Ratan Tata Building
Construction on the new four-storey building will begin in Spring 2025. True to Somerville’s founding principles, the plans envisage a space that is both inclusive and equitable. New seminar rooms and offices will exist alongside spaces for shared study and interdisciplinary collaboration, reception rooms and accommodation for visiting academics. The interchange of ideas and model of collegiate working will be facilitated by the space itself.
The location of the Ratan Tata Building is unrivalled. Standing opposite the internationally renowned Blavatnik School of Government, Somerville’s new building will occupy the last remaining plot of land available for development on the prestigious Radcliffe Observatory Quarter site, directly opposite the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.
The Ratan Tata Building: Interior of a Tutor’s Study
The Ratan Tata Building: Artist’s impression of the roof terrace overlooking Blavatnik School of Government and Schwarzman Centre for Humanities
The Ratan Tata Hall
The Ratan Tata Building: Artist’s impression of studio flat
Interior views of the Ratan Tata Building, including tutor’s study, Ratan Tata Hall and the roof terrace
This exciting new phase in Somerville’s development could not have occurred without the remarkable vision of Mr Ratan Tata. Mr Tata was renowned not only as a pioneering business leader, but one of India’s leading philanthropists through the Tata Trusts, one of India’s oldest, non-sectarian philanthropic organisations. Our long-standing association with Mr Tata enters a new phase through this landmark donation, which represents the largest single gift in Somerville College history.
The transformational generosity of the Tata Group will also enable the creation of a permanent home for the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development (OICSD) within the new building. The values of Mr Tata and the Tata Group align closely with the work of the OICSD, a unique Oxford-India partnership embodying our deep, longstanding ties with India and cutting-edge commitment to world-class scholarship and research with real-world impact.
Among friends: Mr Ratan Tata visiting Somerville College in 2015, and receiving a vist from Somerville College Principal and colleagues in December 2023
Somerville College’s Principal, Baroness Royall, said of the news: “This building is the fruit of many conversations, hopes and dreams over the past decade and our long association with Mr Tata. In its capacity to meet our College’s present and future need, to embody our values, and to guide us towards an exciting future, it is unparalleled. Now it will stand as a permanent legacy to the life of a remarkable man and a dear friend of Somerville. I am deeply grateful to Mr Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Tata Group, and all those involved for enabling us to create this dynamic expression of friendship between Oxford and India, to pay tribute to Mr Tata and to cement Somerville’s plans as a world-class academic institution.”
Mr. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Board of Tata Sons, commented, “In Mr Tata’s vision for India, research and critical inquiry went hand in hand with development and prosperity. This partnership with Somerville College is a tribute to Mr Tata’s values. The building in his name will be a home to research that is necessary and urgent for India.”
The winning design for the building was produced by London-based architects Morris+Company in their first project for the University of Oxford. Speaking about the project, Joe Morris, the CEO and Creative Director of Morris+Co, commented: “Our approach for Somerville College’s new building was to create a multi-purpose construction that not only meets the evolving needs of modern academia but also embodies Somerville’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and interdisciplinary collaboration The result is an exemplar of thoughtful, sustainable design that sits proudly within its historic context while advancing the College’s vision for a vibrant, forward-thinking future.”
Notes for Editors
For general enquiries, please contact Matt Phipps, Head of Communications at Somerville College.
For architectural enquiries, please contact Anna Robinson, Head of Communications at Morris+Co.