UCL Engineering Front Building

The new engineering building front extension, sits in front of the new engineering building (obviously) and was conceived at the same time as the new engineering building rear extension - also by Grimshaw. This new structure, intended to improve the visual amenity of this part of the campus, is linked to the original tower at all floors, including two basement levels. On the ground floor is a cafe, located adjacent to two lecture theatres. Circulation cores are located at either end of the footprint and lead to the upper floors that house flexible office and research spaces. A set-back attic storey houses plant equipment. Due to the proximity of the original tower, the rear elevation slopes inwards as it ascends, to maximise the amount of natural light that can be funneled into the interior, but this is diguised by the end elevations. The concrete structure is clad with terracotta.