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.

OMA to Redevelop Modernist London Icon


© 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 1960’s 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.


© 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, OMA’s 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 building’s 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.”


© OMA

The Commonwealth Institute redevelopment is OMA’s 3rd project in London. OMA is also working on a new headquarters for Rothschild on St Swithin’s 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 Text/Image from Office for Metropolitan Architecture 190308



Commonwealth Institute site redevelopment architect : OMA

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 London projects:
OMA : NM Rothschild & Sons headquarters, City of London
OMA : Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, 2006
White City redevelopment

Commonwealth Institute Restoration : More details

London Architects

London Architecture



Foster & Partners

World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

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