London School of Economics, New Academic Building   London, UK

Creating a high-profile new building for LSE’s Aldwych campus, the extensive remodelling of this Edwardian building creates academic, social and departmental spaces befitting the world-class institution.

The New Academic Building bridges the urban environment of Kingsway to the west and the open space of Lincoln's Inn Fields to the east. It plays a dual role: as a leading, modern educational environment, and to express LSE’s presence in the immediate urban context.

Linked by an internal street between the two building entrances this 12,700 sq m project exemplifies the value of careful building reuse. Its BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ reflects the integral strategies of sustainability used throughout.

More than half of the original building fabric was retained and now frames the three principal new insertions of the project – a light-filled, triple-height atrium that unifies teaching spaces and lecture theatres; a roof pavilion accommodating executive meeting rooms and a function suite; and a reinterpreted forecourt that creates public space and relates directly to Lincoln’s Inn Fields beyond.

"The New Academic Building, at long last, provides us with an academic environment consistent with our academic reputation."

Howard Davies, LSE Director

The New Academic Building will provide LSE with an exemplary academic environment, which promotes learning and social interaction.

Neven Sidor, Partner, Grimshaw

Location
London, UK

Project Type
Education →

Client
London School of Economics & Political Science

Area
12,700 sq m

Status
Complete

Year
2008

Photography
Dee Dee Lim, Jens Willebrand