Penoyre & Prasad has won a major fit-out competition to design University of the Arts London’s new building for London College of Communication and their core university services.
The new 35,000m2 building will be part of a wider regeneration of the Elephant and Castle area. Retaining London College of Communication at the centre of the community is seen as an essential component of the redevelopment.
Penoyre & Prasad’s design will build on already established strong connections between the College and the local community, with public areas at the lower levels of the building, including a café and exhibitions spaces. This will showcase both the work of the College and UAL’s special collections and archives, including the Stanley Kubrick Archive, building upon London College of Communication’s pivotal role within its diverse local community and encouraging access to education for everyone.
Penoyre & Prasad focused on a people-centred approach to the design of the College. A series of interconnected ‘neighbourhoods’ will provide shared spaces for like-minded courses to gravitate around and identify, with diverse learning environments and a blend of traditional and digital technical equipment.
Penoyre & Prasad will work in close collaboration with London College of Communication, and with shell & core architects Allies & Morrison, to co-create a sustainable, fully accessible, and super-flexible environment. Enriched by state-of-the-art technology and pioneering teaching and learning spaces, the project will reinforce the College’s position as a world-leading design, media, and screen institution.
See inside the building here.
Natalie Brett, Head of London College of Communication and Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of the Arts London, said:
“We were incredibly impressed with Penoyre & Prasad’s competition submission and unanimous in our decision to select them to work with us to design our new home in Elephant and Castle. We were particularly impressed with Penoyre & Prasad’s understanding of the College and local area, and their attempts to understand a ‘day in the life’ of the building users – including students, staff, and members of the public.”
Ian Goodfellow, Principal at Penoyre & Prasad, said:
“As we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, there is naturally going to be a significant shift towards the role of science and technology within higher education. But we must not forget the importance of culture and the creative arts, and this project, from a leading player in the field in UAL is a strong sign of commitment to a sector that will be a key part of Britain’s economic recovery. By opening the building to the wider community, we will provide a space that helps positively lead Elephant and Castle’s development, keeping creativity at the heart of the local area.”