schmidt hammer lassen architects: city of westminster college
adaptable and flexible in design, the 24,000 m2 facility focuses on providing open learning spaces that encourage both formal and informal interaction among students.
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‘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
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