theis + khan finalize new RIBA headquarters in london
image © nick kane

 

 

 

british architecture studio theis + khan has completed the redevelopment of the new RIBA offices in london, just a short distance from the institute’s george grey wornum-designed headquarters. conceived as a younger sibling to the main building, the workspace is a reconfiguration of a 1950s building previously occupied by the institute of physics.

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
the scheme is a reconfiguration of a 1950s building previously occupied by the institute of physics
image © nick kane

 

 

 

the 3,157 square meter scheme comprises three, interconnected elements. at the front, a seven-storey office tower addresses the passing street, while a three level brick mews forms the rear. the two volumes are then linked at ground level by a social ‘forum’ space at the very heart of the building.

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
a social space is found at the heart of the building
image © nick kane

 

 

 

by creating generous views through the building, the design draws visitors from the fully glazed main entrance through to both the central communal space of the forum and up to the open plan offices. blocks of color on the landing walls aid navigation and provide a sense of identity for each floor, while the uppermost storey contains meeting and quiet rooms available for all staff.

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
a glazed triple-storey atrium welcomes natural light and allows views in from the adjacent offices
image © nick kane

 

 

 

seen as the key social space, the forum houses a café and is used for both dining and meetings between staff and RIBA members. banquette seating lines the main axis from the front building to the rear mews, with further tables found within the centrally positioned plywood seating and display structure.

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
a range of seating options are offered
image © nick kane

 

 

 

to the rear of the forum, a glazed triple-storey atrium welcomes natural light and allows views in from the adjacent offices. this glazing also creates a strong sightline towards 66 portland place, visually and symbolically linking the 1930s headquarters with the new offices. the institute’s heritage is also underlined by the incorporation of photographs, maquettes and artworks from RIBA’s own collection. these are placed in the entrance, forum, landings and offices.

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
booth areas provide space for private work
image © nick kane

 

 

 

‘it was an exhilarating and often challenging project with a tight budget and timescale that dictated a pragmatic approach to ensure money was directed to what mattered,’ commented soraya khan. ‘simple, robust materials and sensitive detailing of found and new surfaces left what comes free – careful planning, natural light, color and well proportioned spaces – to bring delight.’

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
the design incorporates photographs, maquettes and artworks from RIBA’s own collection
image © nick kane

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
the scheme was completed on a budget of £2.89 million ($3.2 million USD)
image © nick kane

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
blocks of color aid navigation and provide a sense of identity for each floor
image © nick kane

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
circulation space within the 3,157 square meter renovation
image © nick kane

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
the fully glazed main entrance draws visitors through to the central communal space of the forum
image © nick kane

theis and khan architects RIBA headquarters 76 portland place london designboom
a seven-storey office tower addresses the passing street
image © nick kane