Publisher's Synopsis
"The building is designed to embody the dynamic character of a
contemporary Student Union. The complex geometries of the site
provided a starting point for an unconventional arrangement of
irregular floor plates, each one particular to its function and each
working into the next by an intricate system of trapezoidal spatial
configuration. Space flows freely in horizontal plan and vertical
section, with stairs gently twisting and slowly turning to create a
variety of diagonal break-out spaces at landings and crossings
throughout the building."
Saw Swee Hock provides an overview of the Saw Swee Hock
Students' Centre, the first new building constructed at the London
School of Economics (LSE) for over 40 years. It includes a reception,
offices, bars, a fitness centre and event and media facilities. The
book looks at the commissioning process on the part of LSE, through
the appointment of O'Donnell + T uomey Architects--who were
selected following a two-stage international design competition in
june 2009 -- to then focus on the way in which the architects have
responded to the complexities of the brief and in collaboration with
the bespoke manufacturers involved; particularly, the quality of the
bricks, each of which is hand-formed, resulting in a facade that is
both striking and very unusual for central London.
The commissioning of this type of building is the manifestation of
a larger and particularly interesting phenomenon that is happening
on a global scale: LSE, like a number of other academic institutions
around the world, has put up an aggressive programme of world
class architecture as a way of competing with other schools to
attract students internationally. The book includes contributions
by julian Robinson of LSE Estates, as well as interviews with the
designers and manufacturers who were involved in the process
of the building's realisation."
