Hugh Broughton Architectsʼ design for the new headquarters of The Institution of Structural Engineers has been granted planning consent by the London Borough of Islington.
Based in Belgravia since 1926, the Institution is relocating its headquarters to 47-58 Bastwick Street in Clerkenwell, at the heart of Londonʼs creative district.
Hugh Broughton Architects refurbishment of the new premises, a four storey steel frame building comprising 1600 sq m, will offer the Institution increased space and flexibility.
Featuring a dramatic double height reception incorporating a cantilever stair, a bridge at mezzanine level and an exhibition space, the glass, steel and concrete structure will be visible from the street through a new glazed facade. The stair and bridge have been designed in collaboration with Expedition Engineering to demonstrate a series of structural principles. The steel, ferrocement and glass stair is a contemporary re-interpretation of the traditional cantilever stair, where each tread takes structural support from the one below with torsional support only provided by the adjacent wall. The bridge demonstrates principles of bending and shear.
Public spaces on either side of the atrium will incorporate a 104-seat auditorium and meeting rooms with state-of-the art video conferencing and webcasting facilities. A membersʼ area, library and business centre will be at first floor level and staff offices will be located on the second and third floors. The award-winning practice was selected for the project following a competitive interview. Work will commence later this month for completion in the autumn.
Martin Powell, Chief Executive of The Institution of Structural Engineers said: “Leaving a home that has served the Institution so well for approaching 80 years is a hugely exciting prospect. Finding a building on which we could make our mark, an altogether different challenge. Bastwick Street offers us a great opportunity to showcase structural engineering as we seek to create the necessary space that combines the need for both public access and staff accommodation. We have assembled an exceptionally talented team to support our development plans and to help us create a building that will serve a worldwide structural engineering community well for many years to come.”
Hugh Broughton, Director, Hugh Broughton Architects said: “We are thrilled to be working with The Institution of Structural Engineers on this prestigious project to create their new international home. The design will create a cutting edge headquarters in the creative heart of London, which will showcase the extraordinary achievements of structural engineers from around the world.”
