Schmidt Hammer Lassen

The new flagship Campus for City of Westminster College by schmidt hammer lassen architects is designed to support new ways of teaching and learning. The building is designed to embrace interaction and diversity and allow students to learn from each other, both formally and informally.

The learning spaces are adaptable and flexible so that, in addition to the integrated technology, the students’ development is supported by the diverse architectural spaces of the very building they are in.

The College is located in the heart of Central London at Paddington Green on the site of its previous building, an inefficient and failing 1960s block. The building has been designed from the inside-out, responding to the needs of the diverse groups who use the College, as well as taking into account the sensitive local context. It appears as a clean-cut, modern building with a distinct Scandinavian heritage.

The respective floor plans surrounding the atrium have visual connections from one floor to the other, making the atrium a dynamic centre and the heart of the College. The large atrium, which on some floors extends all the way to the façade, enhances the relationship between the inside and the outside. It offers light-filled, open and inclusive spaces which encourage the interaction between students.

Awards: 2011, World Architecture Festival, shortlisted in the Learning category/ 2011, shortlisted for The Concrete Society Awards/ 2011, RIBA Award/ 2011, New London Award, Learning category.

Read more: https://www.shl.dk/city-of-westminster-college/