Keynes Building

Keynes Building, located at the University of Kent, is a notable structure designed by renowned architects Norman Foster and Richard Rogers, known for their work on the Pompidou Center and Lloyd's building. The building is named after the famous economist John Maynard Keynes, who is often associated with the Cambridge Circus and the Bretton Woods Conference. Keynes' economic theories have been influential in shaping the thoughts of Milton Friedman, Joseph Schumpeter, and Friedrich Hayek. The building's design reflects the Bauhaus style, which was popularized by Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

● History

The University of Kent commissioned the Keynes Building in the 1960s, with construction beginning in 1967 and completing in 1970. The building was designed to accommodate the university's growing School of Economics, which was established by Alan Walters and Samuel Brittan. The Keynes Building has undergone several renovations, including a major refurbishment in 2009, led by architects Hawkins\Brown and Buro Happold. The building's history is closely tied to the development of the University of Kent, which was founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Harold Macmillan. The university has been associated with notable figures such as Peter Hennessy, David Starkey, and Noreena Hertz.

● Architecture

The Keynes Building features a unique design, with a brutalist architecture style that reflects the International Style movement. The building's design was influenced by the works of Le Corbusier, Walter Gropius, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who were known for their innovative use of materials and Bauhaus style. The building's façade is characterized by its use of concrete and steel, with a distinctive cantilever design. The Keynes Building has been compared to other notable buildings, such as the National Theatre in London, designed by Denys Lasdun, and the Festival Hall in Southbank Centre, designed by Gillespie, Kidd & Coia.

● Location

The Keynes Building is located on the University of Kent campus, which is situated in Canterbury, Kent. The campus is close to the St Augustine's Abbey and the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building is also near the River Stour, which runs through the city of Canterbury and is associated with the Stour Valley Walk. The University of Kent is part of the Universities UK network, which includes institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

● Occupants

The Keynes Building is home to the School of Economics at the University of Kent, which is one of the largest and most prestigious economics departments in the UK. The school has been associated with notable economists such as Charles Goodhart, Mervyn King, and Tim Besley. The building also houses the Centre for Economic Policy Research, which is a leading research institution in the field of economics. The Keynes Building has hosted numerous conferences and events, including the Royal Economic Society annual conference, which has featured speakers such as Joseph Stiglitz, Amartya Sen, and George Akerlof.

● Features

The Keynes Building features a range of facilities, including lecture theaters, seminar rooms, and research laboratories. The building is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including video conferencing facilities and audio-visual equipment. The building also has a library and resource center, which provides access to a wide range of economic and financial databases, including Bloomberg Terminal and Thomson Reuters. The Keynes Building has been recognized for its sustainable design, which includes features such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels. The building has been certified by BREEAM and has received awards from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers. Category:University buildings in the United Kingdom