Client: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Architects: Alison Brooks Architects + Feix&Merlin Architects
Biophilic Design: Oliver Heath Design
Location: London, UK
Status: In Progress
Size: 17,600m²
Oliver Heath Design is working as the biophilic design consultant on the transformation of 61 Aldwych into a new academic hub for the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), alongside Alison Brooks Architects and Feix&Merlin Architects.
The 17,600m² heritage retrofit will create a new teaching, research and social learning environment at the corner of Aldwych and Kingsway, establishing a new gateway to the LSE campus. The competition-winning proposal places biophilic design at the heart of the transformation, creating a more open, connected environment filled with natural light and greenery.
Our role is to develop and embed the biophilic design strategy throughout the building, working collaboratively with the wider design team to explore how nature, planting, natural materials, light and spatial experience can support wellbeing, connection and the experience of learning.
At the heart of the proposals is a dramatic new staircase and series of interconnected social learning spaces, conceived as a biophilic environment and inspired by the qualities of a natural ravine. Our approach considers how biophilic principles can be integrated holistically across these spaces, contributing to a distinctive, nature-rich experience as people move through the building.
The project represents an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how evidence-based biophilic design can become an integral part of a large-scale higher education environment, supporting LSE's sustainability ambitions while creating welcoming, restorative and engaging spaces for students, staff and visitors.
The project is currently in progress, with completion expected in 2028.
