University College London Institute of Education

Architon played a key role in the second phase of the extensive refurbishment of Sir Denys Lasdun’s Grade II* listed building on Bedford Way, delivering a major transformation of one of UCL’s most significant academic buildings.

This ambitious project involved the refurbishment and reconfiguration of spaces across all 12 floors, including teaching spaces, staff accommodation, circulation areas, toilet facilities, plant rooms, external terraces and the building’s principal entrances and atria. New building services infrastructure was integrated throughout, bringing the building up to contemporary standards for accessibility, performance and sustainability.

A key focus of the project was balancing modern educational requirements with the restoration of the building’s original architectural character. Flexible teaching environments, collaborative workspaces, social hubs and enhanced accessibility features were introduced while preserving the distinctive Brutalist design of the landmark structure.

Delivered within a fully occupied university environment, the project required extensive coordination to minimise disruption while creating a future-ready academic facility for staff and students.