2. Westminster City School forms part of the first phase of Westminster City Council’s BSF programme. The school combines a remodelled Victorian school building with a new building along the Palace Street frontage. It provides a dynamic street presence for the school and a glimpse of the 21 st century teaching and learning environments within.
33. Westminster City School “ Highly Commended” - PfS Excellence in BSF Awards for a Remodelled School 2009
Hinweis der Redaktion
Cover slide
Introduction to project
The original building in context
The original building in context from above – The importance of the 5 th elevation – the roof The confined site & access for construction The proximity of the Circle Line tube vent
The crucially important external space – HAD to remain intact and available through the construction – a KEY DRIVER for the scheme
Strategy for transforming the school Reduce numbers of rooms to rejuvenate the space Great collaboration with school & educationalists to test numerous educational models and timetabling strategies – analysis of areas The creation of new build allows greater freedom and flexible space in Victorian Main Building – “Space to breathe” – refer to main image with arrow Significant moves – demolition of original houses at front of site
Transforming buildings of quality to rear of site – retention of existing gym into new art spaces – double height / fantastic light Maintaining the external play space as sacresanct
The new double height art space with mezzanine
The 4 phases of the transformation – Bringing the front of the school back into the student realm
Desire to Enhance the character of the original Victorian buildings, but to give a new presence and statement of dynamic school intentions to local community – a new vision with new buildings Ground floor plan – A new entrance courtyard with front of site offered back to the students Remodelling of main hall Simplification of spaces around that with phased solution of redevelopment
Main hall – a celebrated element of the original building brought back to its former state
The Lower Ground – The main design move of having a semi-sunken sports hall on site Challenges of constructing this, but result is not having to use play area to rear / fantastic new facility to play games against other schools for 1 st time in history / Adjacent drama spaces As recessed, offers opportunity to use roof and INCREASE EXTERNAL PLAY / SOCIAL AREAS Also serves to frame the view of the main building New Art spaces & RE in old gym & chapel to rear of site
Natural daylighting from side and above
New Drama spaces
The new building development in section and blending of the transition spaces between old and new
The result a seemless blend
Computer visual of the transition staircase
Bright remodelling of spaces
Natural daylight & views out
Returning space to the students – new roofscapes
The sculpture terrace looking across to the new 6 th form and ICT suites The blending of old and new through similar materials but in a contemporary way
A significant new external space for the students – lifted a level above the noisy street plain
The original concept elevations pre-construction
The reality - The new face of the school – a new presence to the community Celebrating the original building “Framed” by the 2 new blocks and the sports hall A contemporary yet respectful neighbour
A strong identity in the urban context – complementing in one of the busiest streets in London HAND OVER
The new face of the school – interacting with its community
The environment wall – re-introducing landscape into what is a tough concrete environment off Victoria Street
Contemporary detailing complementing the traditional materials
