'city of westminster college' by schmidt hammer lassen architects in london, united kingdom
all images courtesy schmidt hammer lassen architects


denmark-based practice schmidt hammer lassen has completed the 'city of westminster college',
a 24,000 m2 facility in london, united kingdom. a first prize winning design from a competition
in 2006, the new building focuses on providing open learning spaces that encourage both formal
and informal interaction among students. 



exterior view


located at the heart of central london, the project stands on the site of a previously failing 1960s block.
the tapering, multi-stepped profile of the facade references its scandinavian influence while the interior
spaces pivot around a terraced atrium. adaptable and flexible in design, the organization allows for
visual and social connections between floors, making the atrium a dynamic centre at the heart of the college.



facade


in order to serve the local community as well as the student body, public functions such as
an exhibition area, a theatre and a cafe are located adjacent to the main entrance. the building
is designed to be sustainable and energy efficient, reducing the overall carbon footprint and
maintenance costs.



interior view



(left) circulation space on street level
(right) atrium



view of atrium from ground level



staircase









view down into ground level of atrium



lobby



theatre



library



study area



roof top terrace



street view of entrance



night view



site plan



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +2



floor plan / level + 4



longitudinal section



cross section



west elevation



south elevation




(left) sectional detail / north facade
(right) sectional detail / south facade


project info:

client: city of westminster college
area: 24,000 m2
competition: 2006 1st prize in restricted international competition
engineer: buro haploid, united kingdom
landscape architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects
main contractor: mclaren construction ltd
other consultants: knight frank LLP, stace LLP