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Dunelm House. I'm chucking my two pence in by saying it deserves its place on the Durham skyline. It reflects both the best of an architectural tradition, and the ambitions of a Britain on the precipice of modernity.
Dunelm is a five level student union, and was built in the mid 60s following the designs of Richard Raines, in turn complimenting Ove Arup's bold but respectful Kingsgate Bridge. We can say the same about Arup's Ouseburn Metro Viaduct in that despite its non-conforming design, it fits well with its surroundings.
It provided separate staff space and communal facilities for those in different colleges, and has remained largely the same externally. Its interior had a significant Scandi influence which has since been heavily refurbished according to the listing.
We see this building through the eyes of the 2020s, but it's important to consider the stuffiness and rigidity of University living pre-1960s. Dunelm House was at the forefront of psyche change, and to consider this was built in such a historic area was bold if not audacious. I also think it's quite sympathetic to the area, and does not take away from the UNESCO World Heritage Site over the Wear.
It absolutely deserves its place on the riverbank for years to come, even if it requires new purpose or role.
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