The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) have unveiled five shortlisted proposals for the new £90 million Global Centre for Social Sciences (GCSS) in London's Aldwych. The competition, which has attracted designs from the likes of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and OMA, will be the school's "biggest ever building project" and is set to "transform" the world-leading institution. Other entrants include Hopkins Architects, Grafton Architects, and Henegham Peng Architects. See the anonymous proposals after the break...
Julian Robinson, LSE’s Director of Estates said: "The LSE does not have easy projects and always sets tough design challenges, as a result the amount of analysis and intellectual effort that has gone into the designs is staggering. The teams have done a remarkable job in the time available." The competition required a focus on sustainable design, and each proposal incorporates a large lecture theatre.
Team A
This proposal has placed weight on sustainability, with a passive cooling strategy taking centre stage. The red 'LSE' cube at the summit of the tiered building would feature on London's skyline, with views from the Thames. View their full competition proposal.
Team B
This design centres around defining a new urban realm (dubbed 'LSE Square') and not extending to the full footprint of the site. With an extensive sustainability strategy, the proposal appears embedded in context. View their full competition proposal.
Team C
Stating that "the city is the university," this proposal intends to connect to all layers of society and would offer an interesting use of stairs and levels to create opacity and openness inside the building. View their full competition proposal.
Team D
Describing the design as an "urban lighthouse," this proposal appears well connected with the surrounding urban fabric. Rendered views emphasize both the subtle materiality and large interior spaces this design would afford. View their full competition proposal.
Team E
Noting that "the internal layout is designed to encourage chance meetings, discussion and collaboration," two "deceptively buildings" are connected across 'LSE Square'. View their full competition proposal.
You can see the five anonymous shortlisted proposals in an exhibition at the London School of Economics' Library between the 7th and 18th October 2013, and also cast a vote for your favourite online.
