On 24 January, a tour into the MACE construction site of the Central Building located right opposite the Library was organised by the Geography & Environment Society. The tour allowed us to learn more about the sustainable measures taken in the development of the new building and how this building will provide a pleasant environment for academic work and teaching.
Designed by renowned architects Rogers Stirk Harbour & partners, the building showcases the famous ‘X’ structure at the side wall. The 12-floor tall building is naturally ventilated, with the installation of double-glazed windows to reduce heat gain in summer, solar barriers at the side walls, as well as black dots on windows to disperse incoming solar radiation, making it extremely environmentally friendly, minimizing the use of energy. In addition, the concrete used blocks heat from getting out, thus maintaining a comfortable temperature.
The building also has a combined heat and power unit (CHP) that runs on fish oil, significantly reducing harmful gases in energy production and heat loss in winter.
This new building will house the Department of International Relations, Department of Government, European Institute, as well as the School of Public Policy, providing extra space both for academics and students. Harvard style lecture rooms and new LSE style lecture rooms will also be present. The latter involves students sitting at the two sides of the lecture room and lecturer talking in the middle, allowing both traditional style teaching as well as collaborative group work. This reduces the effort needed to constantly move furniture around for different purposes. Most importantly, with the presence of the Alumni centre, LSE will have a place for graduates to reconvene, as well as hold all sorts of alumni events which is definitely a bonus!
It is very exciting that this building will be in used starting from 2019’s Summer School, and I’m looking forward to having classes and lectures in this newly-established building next academic year!
Some of the students’ views on the Centre Building:
“The Centre Buildings Redevelopment provides a more open-campus feel in the heart of London to life at LSE.” – Caroline Handford, 1st year BA Geography Student
“With the new LSE style lecture theatre, the new building will make my learning so much more pleasant.” – Venus Yau, 1st year BSc Management Student
“Apart from having extra teaching and studying spaces, the energy usage reduction measures taken in this building’s construction will definitely help promote the ideas of sustainable development around campus! As a geography student I’m happy to see more people care about the environment.” – Hayli Chiu, 1st year BSc Environment and Development Student
Written by LSE Social Media Ambassador Hayli Chiu