ISG plc - General Development - London
Date: 02 Jun 2008
The Royal Institution of Great Britain (RI), which has been at the forefront of scientific innovation and discovery since it was established over 200 years ago, unveiled its spectacular new look at the building's grand launch on Thursday 28 May, attended by HRH the Queen.
The £22 million refurbishment programme for the Grade I Listed building was carried out over a period of two and a half years, with staff in occupation throughout. Terry Farrell was the architect on the project and contractor ISG was responsible for the £13 million construction works contract which incorporated;
· The addition of a new five storey glazed atrium with glass lift at the back of the building.
· The complete renovation of the building's original main staircase involving the re-opening of a lightwell to restore daylight to the area, the restoration of the original decorative 1830s ceiling plaster and the extension of the staircase to the lower ground floor to provide access to the exhibition area.
· The reconfiguration of the lower ground, ground and first floors to accommodate state-of-the-art exhibition showcases and interactive display areas including Michael Faraday's laboratory and the existing working laboratories. A restaurant, café and bar were also created.
· An extra public route connecting the two main staircases on all three floors of the building.
· The renewal of the building's entire infrastructure.
Speaking of the building's transformation, RI Director of Operations Alan Winter says: "Some of the most influential and seminal scientific discoveries have taken place at the Royal Institution, all of which have had a significant impact on our daily lives. As the new millennium brings science into people's lives more than ever before, it seems only fitting that the building we operate in should reflect this.
"ISG and Farrells design have done a great job transforming the building, significantly increasing access and painstakingly restoring many of the original internal and external features. They have achieved the difficult balance of significantly opening up space whilst preserving historical character."
Speaking of the project, ISG Construction Director Paul Gransby says: "As an historic-listed building, the Royal Institution requires a thorough understanding of the building's complexities and a robust logistics strategy to address them. This, together with loving attention from specialist craftsmen, has enabled us to create a spectacular space whilst protecting the historical essence of this beautiful building. Achieving this with staff in occupation throughout is a great achievement."
The Royal Institution of Great Britain, London
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