The Westminster Coroner’s Court docket in west London has simply revealed its delicate renovation and extension – searching for to refresh, bringing much-needed new area and suppleness to the fragile Grade II listed late Victorian constructing on Horseferry Highway. The design, considerate and expansive in its scope, was a collaboration between Lynch Architects and famend artist Brian Clarke – who introduced his stained glass magic to the respectful, atmospheric scheme.
(Picture credit score: Andy Stagg)
Westminster Coroner’s Court docket: a respectful mix of previous and new
The challenge comprised an intensive restoration and inside refresh of the prevailing historic construction – guaranteeing beforehand uncared for areas are freed up and elevated, with all areas restored to their authentic glory. On the similar time a brand new wing, taking the form of a sculptural, rounded roof addition, has been positioned on the west facet of the plot.
(Picture credit score: Rory Gaylor)
The interior rethink spanned new workplace area for the coroner and her employees, in addition to improved amenities for the jurors and guests. An vital addition can be the scheme’s Backyard of Remembrance, a devoted contemplative out of doors area designed as a second of calm for the bereaved households and buddies of the deceased whose instances are heard on the Coroner’s Court docket.
(Picture credit score: Prudence Cummings)
The backyard’s opening in 2018 – a part of the challenge’s Part 1 – coincided with the primary anniversary of The Grenfell Tower Hearth. The panorama brings collectively easy but elegant furnishings, inexperienced planting and a water fountain, conceived to supply an area for individuals who have suffered from excessive emotional and psychic ache. The design is organised as a sequence of stone ‘rooms.’
(Picture credit score: Rory Gaylor)
The architects write: ‘A vertical concrete component, harking back to a distinct segment or doorway, sits towards the wall of the mortuary. Its outer edges are finely textured, while the inside curved face is clean; you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of your self mirrored in its floor, a memento mori of kinds. On summer season afternoons daylight displays off the encircling pink brick partitions, making the white concrete figures seem a fleshly pink.’
(Picture credit score: Rory Gaylor)
‘The sound of water trickling within the fountain commingles with the shadows solid by the crops, animating the area and softening considerably the intentionally fairly austere and silent character of the structure.’
(Picture credit score: Prudence Cummings)
Care was taken for the previous and new parts to suit seamlessly collectively. Whereas the present additions don’t conceal their modern nature, they abstractly draw on the interval id of the prevailing structure. An instance is described by the structure studio: ‘The vaulted ceiling of the brand new courtroom echoes the architectural character of the top-lit glass quantity of the unique Victorian courtroom.’
(Picture credit score: Rory Gaylor)
In the meantime, Clarke’s items in glass openings and partitions – the artist is presumably probably the most revered within the stained glass discipline – animate the area by way of calculated accents, bringing in floral and loosely pure themes from the close by backyard.
(Picture credit score: David Grandorge)
Dr Fiona Wilcox, the coroner, says: ‘There isn’t a doubt the brand new backyard area has had a constructive impact on the Coroner’s Service. It’s lovely, easy, tranquil and protected. It’s a place of reflection and calm for the bereaved, for witnesses and employees. It’s a place for quiet remembrance.’
(Picture credit score: Andy Stagg)
lyncharchitects.com
brianclarke.co.uk
Supply: Wallpaper
