Sheppard Robson won an international design competition to develop world-class facilities for the London Business School within their main campus at Sussex Place. The winning submission proposed to develop the space between the two existing buildings (the Grade I listed John Nash terrace that fronts onto Regent’s Park and the Plowden building on Park Road) to create one School.

Design:

The design draws on the theme of the cloistered courtyard to create a modern, active forum for the business community. The new structures inserted between the existing buildings (the seminar ‘spine’ block and three-storey stack of lecture theatres) both define this central space and create a vibrant backdrop that enriches the environment of the central forum. Topped by a glass roof, the triple height atrium will provide a light and airy hall that unifies the many functions within the School and creates a real heart to the campus. A subterranean, 400-seat auditorium is proposed to be set in front of the John Nash terrace in Sussex Gardens.

Innovation:

The scheme aims to instate a sustainable strategy that will secure a top five place for the School in this league by delivering a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and LED ‘Platinum’ design. The building energy system will adopt renewable energies and low carbon strategies, including ground source cooling, photovoltaics, solar thermal tubes, and tri-generation CHP.