wilkinson eyre reanimates london’s battersea power station with public spaces and venues

wilkinson eyre's battersea power station is one of the restoration projects that has won the RIBA 2024.

F. Pompei edited by thomai tsimpou September 29, 2024 4 min

Wilkinson Eyre brings the Battersea Power Station back to life

Wilkinson Eyre breathes new life into the iconic Battersea Power Station in London and redefines the historic landmark with new interiors, activities, and attractions. Originally designed by British architect Giles Gilbert Scott and opened in the 1930s, the building’s signature four-chimney form stands prominently along the River Thames. The architects have preserved the traditional brick structure while introducing large glass windows that modulate natural light, creating shimmering effects throughout the interior. High platforms and minimalist staircases serve as dynamic pedestrian walkways, connecting different areas within the building. The restored power station now features a variety of services and venues, from retail shops to event spaces, as well as a cinema and a cultural area that highlights the site’s rich history. Wilkinson Eyre’s Battersea Power Station is one of the restoration projects that has won the RIBA 2024, assigned annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects to define the standard of architecture in the UK.

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 1 — all images by Francesca Pompei

the iconic London building now accommodates a range of uses

Once decommissioned in the late 20th century, Battersea Power Station remained vacant for nearly 30 years before this transformative redevelopment. Wilkinson Eyre, known for their work on industrial sites like Gasholder Park at King’s Cross, has balanced the building’s industrial past with modern functionality. The design respects the original character while introducing contemporary elements that activate the space and accommodate a range of uses. The redevelopment by the London-based international architecture practice aims to revitalize the Battersea district, turning the historic site into a vibrant social hub. Drawing comparisons to the transformation of Tate Modern, the project harmonizes with its riverside surroundings, offering views from the top of the chimney lift, which enhances the building’s new role in London’s cultural landscape.

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 2 — the design respects the original character while introducing contemporary elements

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 3 — Wilkinson Eyre breathes new life into the iconic Battersea Power Station in London

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 4 — the renovation redefines the historic landmark with new interiors, activities, and attractions

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 5 — originally designed by British architect Giles Gilbert Scott and opened in the 1930s

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 6 — the building’s signature four-chimney form stands prominently along the River Thames

wilkinsoneyre-london-battersea-power-station-public-spaces-venues-09-26-2024-designboom-1800-02 — introducing large glass windows that modulate natural light

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 7 — the architects have preserved the traditional brick structure

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 8 — high platforms and minimalist staircases serve as dynamic pedestrian walkways

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 9 — connecting different areas within the building

wilkinsoneyre-london-battersea-power-station-public-spaces-venues-09-26-2024-designboom-1800-01 — the restored power station now features a variety of services and venues

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 10 — retail shops, event spaces, a cinema, and a cultural area highlight the site’s rich history

wilkinson eyre reanimates london's battersea power station with public spaces and venues - 11 — Wilkinson Eyre’s Battersea Power Station is one of the restoration projects that has won the RIBA 2024

wilkinsoneyre-london-battersea-power-station-public-spaces-venues-09-26-2024-designboom-1800-03 — Battersea Power Station remained vacant for nearly 30 years before this transformative redevelopment

project info:

name: Battersea Power Station | @batterseapwrstn
architect: Wilkinson Eyre | @wilkinsoneyre
location: Battersea Power Station, London, UK
photography: Francesca Pompei | @fpompei_architecture_photos

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.