RSHP reveal new studio

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) has revealed its new studio fit-out in London’s Leadenhall Building.

After 30 years based at Thames Wharf in Hammersmith, West London, the practice, that employs 200 people, has moved to Level 14 of the RSHP-designed Leadenhall Building. The building is popularly known as ‘The Cheesegrater’ because of its distinctive slanting profile, created to respect a protected sight line of St Paul’s Cathedral from Fleet Street.

The fit-out design was undertaken in-house, led by Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk, Ivan Harbour and Andrew Morris, and reinterprets the design philosophy of the practice as flexible, legible space. The soffit and services are exposed, rather than using a suspended ceiling, and the full height of the space is revealed giving a greater sense of internal volume.

The building’s primary megaframe structure is exposed, and high level services reticulate through the steel floor beams, taking support from the precast concrete floor panels above.

The lighting design, by Speirs and Major is responsive to user needs, changing in tone through the day to mimic circadian patterns and promote wellbeing.

Reflecting the ‘democratic philosophy’ of the practice, there are no cellular offices at RSHP. The dramatic internal volume provides for generous circulation, a large central meeting space, and quiet space at the corners for small meetings and relaxation.

A number of products have been developed in partnership with suppliers specifically for the space, including a new benching system by Ahrend and lighting by Spectral Designs.

The £2.3 million fit-out project was completed on time and on budget to a 16-week programme.

Richard Rogers, Senior Partner, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners said:

“36 years after winning the competition for the Lloyd’s of London we are delighted to have moved across the road into The Leadenhall Building. Offices have changed immeasurably in that time, and this move from Thames Wharf Studios reflects that.

“We have had the chance to look at how we work as a practice. We are unique in the architectural world with our constitution and benefits and we have worked hard to preserve the practice’s ethos. Our new studio embodies the teamwork, flexibility and sustainable working practices that characterise our architecture. We have taken the spirit and the community of RSHP, and moved it successfully to the City.”