LSE Student Centre Competition : Information

5 May 2009 LSE New Students' Centre Competition Shortlist Six architectural practices have been chosen to go through to the next phase in the competition to design a new Students' Centre building for the London School of Economics and Political Science on its Aldwych campus. View of the existing LSE site - Aldwych campus: LSE Students Center Shortlist Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, London David Chipperfield Architects, London de Rijke Marsh Morgan, London Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, London O'Donnell & Tuomey Architects, Dublin 3XN A/S, Copenhagen The new Students' Centre will play a vital role in enhancing the student experience and in furthering the LSE's aim of creating a world class estate. The School's ambition is to procure an exemplary piece of architecture which is innovative, sustainable and inspirational, which will be at the forefront of 'Contemporary Westminster'. A total of 133 architects from all over the world applied to take part in the LSE New Students' Centre Competition. Existing LSE Building - St_Philips: photos : Nigel Stead, LSE Mark Dudek, RIBA Architectural Adviser for the LSE Students Centre competition said "Because of the high quality of the applications received, selecting the final six was extremely difficult. In coming to their decision the panel considered a range of criteria which include previous experience in the education and higher education sector and evidence of innovative design particularly in sensitive urban locations such as the St Phillips site. Ultimately the decision rested on evidence which illustrated how the successful team would respond to the challenge of building that must be both a learning environment and a venue in its own right". Julian Robinson, LSE's Director of Planning & Development, added "Our job was very difficult, we had a stellar cast list to choose from, containing 'starchitects', safe bets and up and coming firms from around the world. The shortlist reflects the School's desire to secure an exemplary piece of contemporary architecture - as this will be the first new building at our Aldwych campus for 40 years we are looking for something really special that will enhance the student experience and further our aim of creating a world class estate" The six shortlisted design teams will now be given six weeks to come up with design concepts and these will be judged at the end of June 2009. London School of Economics New Students Centre Design Competition information from RIBA 050509