‘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. 

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college 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.

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster 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.

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college interior view

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college (left) circulation space on street level (right) atrium

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college view of atrium from ground level

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college staircase

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college view down into ground level of atrium

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college lobby

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college theatre

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college library

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college study area

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college roof top terrace

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college street view of entrance

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college night view

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college site plan

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college floor plan / level 0

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college floor plan / level +2

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college floor plan / level + 4

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college longitudinal section

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college cross section

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college west elevation

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college south elevation

schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college (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