STANHOPE JOINS AS LSA’S FIRST FOUNDING PARTNER

Television Centre, London, W12

In March, the London School of Architecture launched a new Founding Partner programme, and is pleased to announce that London-based developer Stanhope has signed up to become its first member

Over the last 30 years, Stanhope has developed over £20 billion of projects, including landmark schemes such as Broadgate, Paternoster Square and Chiswick Park. Its new projects include Television Centre and White City Place. It has an established reputation for successfully working with leading contemporary architects.

The London School of Architecture’s mission is to be the game-changer institution in London that profoundly addresses 21st century challenges and opportunities in the built environment. In order to achieve this, we seek to bring together outstanding students, practices, professionals, educators and entrepreneurs to generate and champion essential new approaches to the design of architecture and cities.

The school has already established a successful Founding Practice programme, which includes Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Grimshaw, Idom, Orms, PDP London, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Scott Brownrigg. Now in its second year, the school is seeking to expand its network beyond the architectural profession to include key players in the construction industry.

The LSA provides architectural education through a professional network model, and the Founding Partners have a crucial role to play in instituting an engaged and animated dialogue to inform the school’s work. In the academic year 2016/17, Stanhope has connected with Architectural Agency, an LSA Design Think Tank, whose objective is to develop sustainable, self-sufficient models of the workplace that thrive financially, personally and socially. Through presentations and reviews, the developer has taken part in a critical exchange that we believe forms an essential part of the school’s activity.

Ruskin Square, Croydon

The vast majority of architecture schools in the UK are based within a university. As a small independent school, the LSA uses the city as its campus, and is seeking to create a network of neighbouring ‘departments’ with London-based firms who offer ‘faculties’ of professional expertise. The Founding Partner programme is a primary means to achieve this, and the school is soon to launch an Expert Advisory Panel composed of key individuals who shape the city, either intellectually or physically.

‘I am delighted that Stanhope has backed the school as our first Founding Partner’ says LSA Director Will Hunter. ‘The developer has a keen eye for design and his worked with an array of great architects, many of whom are in the LSA’s Practice Network. The LSA and Stanhope share many values about our ambitions to create a better built environment for London.’

‘We are pleased to partner with the LSA in its refreshing approach to preparing young architects for the diverse range of challenges that working in the built environment brings.’ says Charles Walford from Stanhope. ‘We also fully support the innovative financial assistance available to the students through part-time employment at LSA practices. We look forward to imparting our development expertise to assist students in understanding project viability’.