City of Westminster College

Denmark-based practice schmidt hammer lassen has completed the ‘city of westminster college’,  a 24,000 m2 facility in london, United Kingdom. a first prize winning design from a competition in 2006, the new building focuses on providing open learning spaces that encourage both formal and informal interaction among students.

Located at the heart of central london, the project stands on the site of a previously failing 1960s block.
The tapering, multi-stepped profile of the facade references its scandinavian influence while the interior spaces pivot around a terraced atrium. adaptable and flexible in design, the organization allows for visual and social connections between floors, making the atrium a dynamic centre at the heart of the college.

In order to serve the local community as well as the student body, public functions such as  an exhibition area, a theatre and a cafe are located adjacent to the main entrance. the building  is designed to be sustainable and energy efficient, reducing the overall carbon footprint and
maintenance costs.