“The sheer scale of LSE’s ambition and Osborne’s craftsmanship means that I can honestly say in my 25 years of working in development and construction I have never commissioned a building of this architectural quality and breath-taking uniqueness” – Julian Robinson, Director of Estates
Issue
Osborne were appointed to design and construct the first new build for more than 40 years for the London School of Economics (LSE): a multi-purpose 7-storey student centre to house a wide range of learning and social facilities.
The project had multifaceted issues, both from the brief and from unexpected problems that arose during the project, which required a carefully considered design and involved a complex construction process.
- The client objective was to create a building that would transform the social experience of the students.
- Site location: the building being situated on an occupied campus in a conservation area.
- Structural limitations demonstrated the biggest challenge and included party wall agreements with an operational theatre. In addition, unforeseen structural and layout issues were discovered during the demolition and basement dig phase within a neighbouring property outside of Osborne’s original remit. This had the potential to disrupt existing tenants and delay construction works
- Design complexities: the building’s complex lattice brickwork fell into 5 different planes with 47 different types of brick specials.
Project Gallery
