Project
35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
London School of Economics and Political Science
Designed by David Chipperfield Architects the project is a direct response to the climate emergency and proposes deep retrofit, with up to 70% of the building being retained as well as striving to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL ‘Platinum’ and Passivehaus accreditations, whilst allowing for refurbishment and extensions. The retrofit first approach has challenged the traditional approach to extensions to buildings in a sensitive heritage context, with key decisions being guided by carbon impacts and not just aesthetics. The building will accommodate the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa which has a mission to address global issues. The scheme incorporates conference facilities, academic and teaching spaces, digital labs, and a 350-seat theatre - The Agora. Lichfields guided the successful planning application and also advised on heritage, townscape and public engagement.
This is a groundbreaking transformation project with the highest sustainability ambitions, that will achieve both embodied and operational Net Zero carbon standards and Passivhaus certification. The project pioneers an approach that we believe will soon become standard practice in how we transform our existing building stock for the future.
Alasdair Graham, Director, David Chipperfield Architects
Image credit: David Chipperfield Architects