This competition seeks expressions of interest from an architectural-led team with exceptional design skills for the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE) New Students’ Centre at St Phillips, Sheffield Street, WC2A 2EZ.

Managed by the RIBA Competitions Office on behalf of the LSE, the competition seeks to identify an architectural-led team on the basis of a preliminary concept and an appropriate design approach. The winner of the competition will be appointed to develop a design through to construction and will be novated to a design and build contractor.

Project Vision and Objectives
The LSE seek to have the “best Students’ Building in the UK”. With a BREEAM Outstanding rating and the innovative use of design and technology the School is looking for a world class Student Building – an exemplar. The School wish the New Students’ Building to be described as:
Adaptable / Ambitious / Award Winning / Beautiful / Contemporary/ Distinctive / Fun / Innovative / Inspirational / International / Original / Participatory / Recognisable / Stimulating / Sustainable / Unique

Strategic Objectives
As the New Academic Building has set a benchmark for ‘excellence’ for other LSE construction and refurbishment projects, the new Students’ building must have a high design quality, environmental sustainability and procurement approach; creating an up- to-the-minute, innovative, exciting student environment.
With the expansion of student numbers and the demand for students service rising simultaneously the Students’ Union would like to expand the current space allocation for all existing facilities, incorporate new facilities and house the whole of the student union under one roof. Aiming to achieve cross promotion of Union services, and creating a hub for student activities, a sense of ownership and identity, that reduces mobility problems and facilitates an efficient and enjoyable service for students.

Project Requirements
The construction budget is circa £21,500,000 and the building will essentially provide various types of space requirements in addition to the associated ancillary space needed to ensure efficient operation of the building and the buildings usage.

Competition Format
The competition will take the following format :
Stage 1 : Expressions of Interest (requirements set out below)
Stage 2 : A shortlist of 6 teams invited to produce concept designs. During the stage two design period interim briefing sessions in the architects’ offices will be available to each design team. Final assessment will involve an interview with the judging panel and also a presentation to a wider group involving advisers and representatives from the School.

The winning architectural team will be appointed to take the project through to completion. Whilst copyright of all competition submissions rests with the authors, a condition of appointment of the selected architect will be that assignable.