Metropolitan Works

Metropolitan Works is the only industrial resource in the middle of London, combining a bureau service, CAD training and superb Pay-and-Go project workspace. It is the place for realising ideas.

Matthew Lewis, Manager, Metropolitan Works

Client London Metropolitan University
Location Aldgate, London
Completion 2009
Cost £4.5m

Services

Feasibility study
Architectural design
Interior design
Advice on offsite solutions

Located on a former car park behind London Metropolitan University’s city campus, the £4.5m building comprises workshops, commercially-licensed CAD offices, a CAD training suite, refectory, conference room and offices for staff and research fellows, and acts as a link between the university and industry.

The four-storey structure is composed of simple interlocking rectangular forms with a series of terraced setbacks on the upper levels. A metal box clad in perforated naturally-anodised aluminium panels, the building’s aesthetic is designed to express the industrial nature of the work undertaken inside.

The bright, reflective nature of the cladding creates a sense of unity, whilst reducing the apparent mass of the building. The perforations by digital artist Tom Price morph into flowing patterns, giving a sense of movement and energy at street level. The entrance is glazed, creating a welcoming and visible street frontage.

Offsite construction was used to prepare building modules, which were craned into place on site.

The launch of Metropolitan Works was marked with an exhibition of artworks created using the centre’s facilities, including exhibits by artists Antony Gormley and Tord Boontje