THE GROVE

The Grove Building creates an exciting and stimulating environment for a wide range of disciplines across the spectrum of Art, Design and Media. The design consists of 3 main buildings which are linked together with raised walkways. Situated adjacent to Grove Park an essential aspect of the projects brief was to enhance bio-diversity and support local wildlife. Grove is the third phase of their Strategic Development Plan delivered by BPR Architects. The project enhanced student experience by consolidating all teaching and learning at the Hendon Campus.

Internally the building provides a balance of specialist studio and teaching facilities arranged around a single multi-functional atrium gallery and performance space. The central atrium responds to the brief to provide a creative and collaborative environment which encourages cross pollination of ideas between disciplines.

The project achieved BREEAM Excellent and was described by the Greater London Authority as ‘world class design.’

Client

Middlesex University

Structural Engineer

Rolton Group

Planning Consultant

Tibbalds Planning & Urban Design

Cost Consultant

Sweett Group

Services Engineer

Rolton Group

Flexible Design

The central atrium space within the Grove Building forms a focal point for the creative courses using the building. Windows of workspaces off the atrium create visual connections to the activities taking place within the building. Wall panels are used to make the space a canvas on which to display students work.

Specialist Spaces

The Grove incorporates a range of specialist spaces, which required careful acoustic consideration such as sound proofed radio studio; recording studio and tv facility. We worked closely with the consultant team to develop a design proposal which would meet these high quality requirements.

Creative Identity

One key element of the brief for the Grove was for it to have a clear identity on the campus as the facility for creative courses, with spaces that supported the students freedom of expression. Opportunities were maximised during the design process to exhibit the activities taking place within the building. At ground floor level the large workshop overlooks a primary route through the site. Within the main body of the building, corridors double as exhibition spaces. In more generous locations seating has been provided to facilitate informal meetings.