Gradel Quadrangles listed in the Guardian's top 10 best design and architecture of 2025

New College's latest building feat, the Gradel Quadrangles, was listed as one of the Guardian's top 10 best design and architecture of 2025. Appearing alongside V&A East Storehouse in London and Houston's Ismaili Centre, the Gradel Quadrangles was praised for its 'gorgeously eclectic' design and diverse influences. In particular, the article drew attention to the 'tower embellished with carvings of pangolins, moles and moths'. These sculptures are a modern take on the grotesques that decorate New College's centuries-old buildings. However, they are not just 'picturesque decoration' but draw attention to our planet's endangered species. 

Designed by David Kohn Architects, the Gradel Quadrangles officially opened in April 2024. Its smoothly curved buildings house New College's third-year students, while underneath resides the New Space, New College's state of the art concert hall. The tower, a new addition to the Oxford skyline, houses the Gradel Institute of Charity.