LSE Reception
- location:
- London School of Economics
- client:
- LSE Estates Division
- role:
- ArchitectureInteriors
- sector:
- Education
- value:
- £480,000
- status:
- Completed 2011
A remodelling of the main reception to improve access tas part of an integrated campus-wide strategy
A complete remodelling of the main reception of the Old Building, off Houghton Street, WC2. This is the main entrance foyer to the London School of Economics, and its famous Theatre, which was in need of a major transformation to meet current security, access and wayfinding improvements.
The project, which was won in competition, includes a new green room for the theatre, toilets, reception and split-level waiting areas. Central to the scheme are glass cabinets, which clad the existing walls, offering information, signage and inspirational extracts from luminaries’ speeches given from the theatre.
Design Approach
The refurbishment provided the opportunity to improve the access to the Old Building as part of an integrated campus-wide strategy.
Careful consultation was carried out with the LSE’s Disability and Wellbeing Services as well as an independent access consultant. Opening the reception area into previously lost cellular rooms allows for an enlarged entrance lobby, DDA compliant desk and a proper waiting area on two levels. New toilet facilities are located on the entrance level rather than the previous arrangement via a tortuous ramp.
Bespoke glass and stainless steel wall cladding units create a consistent datum providing a clear, adaptable and integrated way-finding and information strategy.
The new interior is announced with a red LED glow to the famous entrance portal and the underside of the linking bridge over Houghton Street.
