| Commonwealth Institute London, Architecture, Redevelopment News, Image Major building project by OMA in London, England, UK e-architect |
World Architecture : index Building architect: OMA Architecture News |
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| Commonwealth Institute, London : Architecture Information | |||
Built: 1962 RMJM Grade II* listed : saved from potential demolition 2007 Commonwealth Institute - Restoration 2001 Avery Associates Cost: £3m Commonwealth Institute Redevelopment - Apartments 2007- Developer : Chelsfield Partners Architect: OMA; Foster & Partners were initially linked with this project early in 2007 £150m approx. Commonwealth Institute - Design Museum News 18 Aug 2009 Update on Planning Submission for new Design Museum on former Commonwealth Institute Site OMA to Redevelop Modernist London Icon ![]() image © OMA (Rotterdam, March 19 2008): The Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) has been selected to redevelop the iconic Commonwealth Institute in Kensington and Chelsea, London, by Chelsfield, one of the United Kingdom's major property development groups, and their partner Ilchester Estate. The project includes the addition of a major residential scheme alongside the rejuvenation of the 1960s structure at the edge of Holland Park. In December 2007, alongside 5 other competitors, OMA were invited by Chelsfield deputy chairman Sir Stuart Lipton, to consider the potential of the Commonwealth Institute site. ![]() image © OMA Two years ago the grade II* listed building, one of the highest protection ratings possible in the UK, was threatened with demolition following a UK government proposal to delist it. This collaboration seeks to save the building by re-injecting life into the modernist monument whilst retaining its distinctive copper roof and parabolic form. New residential accommodation will integrate into the existing fabric, regenerating that end of Kensington High Street. Asked to comment, Reinier de Graaf, OMAs partner in charge of the project, said OMA was excited by the prospect of this collaboration and intended to take a respectful approach to redeveloping the sixties icon: OMA will explore a number of uses appropriate to the existing design, capitalizing on the buildings dynamic interior spaces. Careful consideration will be given to the relationship with Holland Park, possibly extending the park condition across the site connecting to the street. Any new residential development should serve to complement the qualities of the existing building. The greatest challenge facing the project will be acknowledging the architectural quality of the Commonwealth Institute whilst simultaneously creating a distinct and contemporary project. The site is complex: to the north it is separated by a wall from Holland Park and to the south it causes a disruption in the continuous frontage of Kensington High Street. The project will have to find inventive solutions to address these conditions. ![]() image © OMA The Commonwealth Institute redevelopment is OMAs 3rd project in London. OMA is also working on a new headquarters for Rothschild on St Swithins Lane in the City. Furthermore, OMA are developing a masterplan for White City in west London. OMA was selected by the site owners from a shortlist of six international architects which included Rafael Moneo, Rafael Viñoly Architects, Eric Parry Associates, Caruso St John, and Make Architects. The original building by Robert Matthew, Johnson-Marshall and Partners, completed in 1962 marks the transition from British Empire to Commonwealth and is regarded by English Heritage, the UK government's statutory adviser on the historic environment, as an important modern building. The Commonwealth Institute project is led by Reinier de Graaf who also leads the masterplan for White City, the Riga Contemporary Art Museum, the new Waterfront City in Dubai and the Gateway City project in Ras al Khaimah (UAE). Commonwealth Institute London Building - images / information from Office for Metropolitan Architecture 190308 Commonwealth Institute architect - site redevelopment : OMA Commonwealth Institute - Summary Competition winner : OMA - Rem Koolhaas + Reinier de Graaf Another UK project for Rem following news in early 2008 of his commission to design a Maggies Centre (in Glasgow). Shortlist incl. Caruso St John, Eric Parry, Make, Rafael Moneo & Rafael Viñoly Chairman of the Jury: Paul Finch Other OMA London projects: NM Rothschild & Sons headquarters, City of London Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, 2006 White City redevelopment Commonwealth Institute Restoration : More details London Architect London Architecture Foster & Partners World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe Rem Koolhaas Commonwealth Institute original architect : RMJM Comments / photos for the Commonwealth Institute Architecture page welcome: info@e-architect.co.uk Commonwealth Institute London - page: adrian welch / isabelle lomholt |
Buildings by this architect: Singapore Tower Central China TV Waterfront City Dubai Key London Buildings: Battersea Power Station Chelsea Barracks London Olympic Stadium One Hyde Park Key Links: Skyscrapers Architecture Studios New Houses |
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