London's Royal College of Art (RCA) have revealed seven invited shortlisted practices for its new state-of-the-art £108million Battersea South campus. Featuring a smattering of architects from Europe, including Herzog & de Meuron and Lacaton & Vassal, and from the USA, such as Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Studio Gang, the organisation intends to announce the winning scheme in October 2016.
The competition organized by Malcolm Reading Consultants is a key part of "the most exciting phase of development in the RCA’s 179 year history" as it transforms itself into "a STEAM-focused graduate university." As a result, the College is seeking to expand its research and knowledge exchange centers into the domains of computer and materials science, the impact of the digital economy, and intelligent mobility in order to "bring together the worlds of science, art, design and technology." They ultimately wish to have a transformational impact in fields relating to connected cities; robotics, the internet of things and intelligent mobility; sustainability, mass migration and city design.
The shortlisted practices are:
- Christian Kerez (Switzerland)
- Diller Scofidio + Renfro (US)
- Herzog & de Meuron (Switzerland/UK)
- Lacaton & Vassal (France)
- Robbrecht en Daem architecten (Belgium)
- Serie Architects (UK/Singapore)
- Studio Gang (US)
According to Adrian Lahoud, Dean of Architecture at the RCA: "At the centre of the Battersea South vision are the practices of artists and designers. The project should support and inspire their work, offering an incredible opportunity to explore new frontiers in learning and research in art and design." Dr Paul Thompson, Rector of the RCA and Chair of the Architectural Selection Panel remarked that the "shortlist represents an exceptional cross-section of international talent all wanting to engage with a world class institution. The panel was particularly delighted with the range of talents and approaches, not least because the building has to reflect the radical nature, experimentation and high design standards of the world’s pre-eminent art and design university."
Members of the selection panel included:
- Dr. Paul Thompson (Chair)
- Professor Naren Barfield
- Richard Benson
- Dr. Adrian Lahoud
- Professor Judith Mottram
- Baroness Gail Rebuck
- Alan Leibowitz (lay member of Council)
- Professor Ricky Burdett (lay member of Council)
- Professor Rachel Cooper OBE (lay member of Council)
- Paola Antonelli
- Marcus Cole (student)
