The Library building
HRH The Princess Royal, Chancellor of the University of London, officially opened the redeveloped Lionel Robbins Building - a landmark building for LSE and London - on 27 November 2001.
Outside, the building still bears a WWII shrapnel-damaged sign, from its days as WH Smith's headquarters and warehouse. The interior might not have been battle-scarred, but it was always more 'serviceable' than glamorous, even when originally occupied by the Library in 1978. By the 1990s, user surveys indicated that the physical environment was beginning to hamper the Library's vision and purpose.
In 1994, a feasibility study commissioned from architects Foster and Partners whetted the appetite for a radical and visually stunning redevelopment, stripping the building to its basic structure and recreating the interior. In summer 1998 a Project Manager and architects (again, Foster and Partners) were appointed. By April 1999, donors to the School had stepped forward with contributions that allowed the redevelopment to proceed.
The historic 1916 shell of the grade two listed building has been preserved - cleaned and with appropriate windows installed. The new light-filled Michael Peacock Atrium and spiral stepped ramp culminate in an impressive partially glazed dome at the top (cleaned by abseilers!). The dome has been precisely angled to maximise daylight with minimal solar glare. A reflecting panel on the roof also helps to direct sunlight to the floors below.
The dome and other windows respond automatically according to the temperature in the building; ventilating it naturally. The lighting - again energy efficient - operates on a presence-detection system. This includes both the strip lighting above the book shelves and the warmer-quality spotlights above study places.
The book shelves deliberately serve a second function. They absorb noise and separate quiet study areas at the building's perimeters from the click of keyboards and circulation of people elsewhere. Many facilities are intuitively replicated on each floor to provide a user-friendly layout. Near-silent glass lifts offer a great view, and are hi tech with no motor room required.
The lower ground floor is a prime example of the transformed welcoming physical environment and uncluttered working conditions. Once a hot and dingy basement, the ceiling has been removed to create a light double-height space.
The Lionel Robbins Building covers 20,000 square metres. Overall, the redevelopment created an eight per cent increase in floor area, in addition to a new-build fifth floor. The fourth and fifth floors are home to LSE Research Lab - bringing together the School’s leading research centres. The building was commended in the 2002 Civic Trust Awards - given to outstanding examples of architecture and environmental design in major city areas of the UK, taking into account the benefit each project brings to its local area as well as the quality of its design. A further building project took place in 2007 to expand areas such as the Course Collection.
LSE gratefully acknowledges government support and the 3,000 generous individual, corporate and foundation donors to the redevelopment of the Lionel Robbins Building.
Architects: Foster and Partners
Project management: Schal International Management
Construction management: Bovis Lend Lease
Structural engineers: Adams Kara Taylor
Quantity surveyors: Davis Langdon and Everest
Mechanical and electrical engineers: Oscar Faber
Fire engineering: Jeremy Gardner Associates
Shelving: Ecospace
Study desks: Dan Contract
Grey chairs: RDS
Black chairs: Wilkahn
Main signage: Info Sign Systems
Health and safety signage: Opal Signs Ltd
Microform cabinets: Sealine
Office furniture: Ergonom ^
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