London studio Wright and Wright has refurbished the London headquarters of the British Academy, creating double-height spaces on the lower floor that aim to reflect the grandeur of the rooms above.
Located at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace in central London, Wright and Wright intended to celebrate the building's history while making it better suited for events, public talks and exhibitions.
Wright and Wright has completed its refurbishment of the British Academy. Top photo by the British Academy
The Grade I-listed building was originally designed by British architect John Nash in 1831. It has been the headquarters for the British Academy, a national academy for humanities and social sciences, since 1998.
As part of its refurbishment, Wright and Wright removed mezzanine floors and vaults on the lower level, which didn't have as many heritage constraints as the grander upper levels. The lower ground was transformed to have high ceilings
The studio also dug up to two metres deep into the ground to further open up the lower level, forming three double-height rooms that mimic the loftiness of the rooms above.
"In line with its strategic aims to open up and reach audiences beyond the research and academic community, we addressed the lower floors and arrival spaces of the organisation's headquarters to enable it to become a more accessible, welcoming and agile destination for events and public engagement," Wright and Wright partner Stephen Smith told Dezeen.
The studio aim...