Old Building, London School of Economics, Design Engine Architects

OLD BUILDINGLondon School of Economics 1

OLD BUILDING London School of Economics Design Engine have completed the remodelling of the main reception of the Old Building, off Houghton Street, WC2. This is the main entrance foyer to the LSE and its famous Theatre, which was in need of a major transformation to meet current security, access and wayfinding requirements. 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.2

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The refurbishment provided the opportunity to 5 6improve the access to the Old Building as partof an integrated campus-wide strategy. 3 4 2 1Careful consultation was carried out with theLSE’s Disability and Wellbeing Services as wellas an independent access consultant. Openingthe reception area into previously lost cellularrooms allows for an enlarged entrance lobby,DDA compliant desk and a proper waiting areaon two levels. New toilet facilities are locatedon the entrance level rather than the previousarrangement via a tortuous ramp.Bespoke glass and stainless steel wall claddingunits create a consistent datum providing aclear, adaptable and integrated way-findingand information strategy.The new interior is announced with a red LEDglow to the famous entrance portal and theunderside of the linking bridge over HoughtonStreet. Plan 1 reception 2 waiting area 3 cloakroom 4 lobby 5 green room 6 theatrePerspective section 5

OLD BUILDING London School of Economics Project Details Project Team Location Client London LSE Estates Division Houghton Street WL2A 2AE Architect Design Engine Completion Date 2011 Structural Engineer Heyna Tillet Steel Contract Value £480,000 Building Services Engineer BDSP Area 350 sqm Quantity Surveyor Jackson Coles Per sqm Cost £1370/sqm Specification Writer John Ahern Fire Engineering Consultant CS Todd CDMC MSafe Building Control Approved Inspector MLM Main Contractor CPL Interiors/Russell Cawberry6

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Design Engine Architects LtdThe Studio, Coker CloseWinchester SO22 5FFT.+44(0)1962 890111www.designengine.co.uk8