Imperial College: Energy Futures Laboratory
In 2007, Imperial College of London launched the Energy Futures Lab, a faculty level initiative sitting above department level, to specifically address climate change by developing secure and sustainable energy technologies through cross-disciplinary research and global partnerships. In 2010 Berman Guedes Stretton designed and opened the new Energy Futures Lab teaching facilities on the South Kensington Campus. Previously occupying disparate corners of the adjacent 1960’s block deemed the "black tower" which is now set for demolition, the programme now enjoys a state of the art facility which, "sets an example as the best graduate study facility on campus" as described by Dr. Peter Evans, Corporate Partnerships Manager and main client contact for the project.
Imperial College: Energy Futures Laboratory
Comprising of two phases, the facility provides faculty offices, meeting rooms, and the main teaching area for 40-50 graduate students per year over two floors in the existing Electrical Engineering building, designed by Norman & Dawbarn in 1959. Situated with a main entrance directly off Foster´s Dalby Court, the EFL now enjoys a high profile position on the main public plaza on campus. The teaching area features a raised floor to mediate heat gain from the campus plant located below, and natural lighting from roof lights located in the plaza above. High ceiling heights and use of colour and transparency helped to transform the previous wood and metal workshop spaces into a high quality teaching and study space.
Imperial College: Energy Futures Laboratory
Client: Imperial College, London
Completion: 2011
Contract Value: £1.4m
