engineering.
Oops! Looks like your browser is out of date. Is this page displaying correctly? If not, try upgrading your browser or use a different one.

Ravensbourne University London.

2010 saw another exciting collaboration with Foreign Office Architects on a site adjacent to the O2 Arena. With its geometrical cladding based on Penrose’s famous design, the new Ravensbourne College synthesises science and creativity within its form, recalling the tradition of the Arts and Crafts movement.

University building with geometric patterned cladding and impressive central atria

Location
London, UK
Client
Ravensbourne University London
Architect
Foreign Office Architects
Project Value
£ 45 million
Floor Area
21,500 m²
Status
completed 2010
Expertise
Structures

The idea of the cladding was to create an abstract pattern from floral shapes, introducing a geometrical order based on the dimensions of a tile unit. Despite its apparent complexity, only three tile shapes were required, comprising two irregular pentagons and an equilateral triangle. These tessellate and could be rearranged to work around the various window sizes, set in two rows per floor, which were designed to accommodate the changing daylight requirements.

Several materials were considered for the cladding, including ceramic and enamelled steel, but these were too heavy and their strength untested. We opted for anodised aluminium which was light, robust and could be easily formed. Economy of scale was achieved by extensive repetition of tile patterns across the building using three basic shapes.

This ambitious plan led to the façade dictating the layout of the entire eight-storey structure, including floor-to-ceiling heights and structural grids. We specified concrete to improve the building’s thermal mass and reduce the impact of vibration on sensitive areas such as TV studios and lecture theatres. The self-compacting mixture used for the external walls improved on the programme, removing the need for vibration and reducing the extent of making good.

Piled foundations were selected due to the variable ground conditions and precast concrete planks above were supported by composite steel beams spanning 15 m from the perimeter walls to a central cluster of columns. The resulting design was intended to encourage interaction between departments by introducing two central atria, around which steps rise in half-storey increments, allowing a swift, fluid connection between the different levels.

Awards.
  • 2011 RIBA Award
  • 2011 BCI Building Award
  • 2011 Building Award – Public Building
    Project of the Year – Shortlisted
  • 2011 Considerate Constructors Gold Award
Two
Manhattan
West
Lobby
'Radiant Lines'
installation
 
 
A Brick for Venice thumbnailA Brick
for Venice.
 
 
One
Gosvenor
Square
 
Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities thumbnailThe Stephen A. Schwarzman
Centre for the Humanities
 
 
Albert Bridge House thumbnailAlbert Bridge House.
 
 
 
Edgar's Sheds thumbnailEdgar's
Sheds.
 
 
Luton     Town FC
Stadium.
 
 
St Pancras Campus thumbnailSt Pancras
Campus.
 
 
Wind Sculpture
(TG) I
 
 
Sentosa
Sensoryscape.
 
 
The
Beacon.
 
 
Liverpool
School of
Architecture.
 
Malaika
School.
 
 
Cherry
Groce
Memorial.
 
Khudi
Bari.
 
 
Haus Gables thumbnailHaus
Gables.
 
 
10   Lewis
Cubitt
Square.
 
'Drift'
footbridge.
 
 
3290_HighRes_render_N9_hdThe
Gaumont.
 
 
5448_N8_hdCrinkle-Crankle
Concrete.
 
 
4926_HiRes_rendering_N7_hdApex
1.
 
 
5008_highRes_image_N3_hdUCB
Headquarters
Campus.
 
Manor    Road
Quarter.
 
 
17 Charterhouse
Street.
 
 
Brent Cross
Plot 15.
 
 
100-West-Cromwell-Road-thumbnail100
West Cromwell
Road.
 
Brent Cross
Plot 25.
 
 
Chapter
London
Bridge.
 
Roatan
Prospera.