City of Westminster College’s new Paddington Green Campus opened its doors to the public on Saturday 17 September, as part of the major annual architecture festival Open House London.
 

Paddington Green Campus, which opened in January 2011 and has won RIBA and New London Awards, was singled out in advance of the weekend as one of this year’s Open House London highlights by both The Guardian and by Financial Times architecture critic Edwin Heathcote.

College staff, representatives from architects schmidt hammer lassen and volunteer stewards from Open House London welcomed over 200 visitors during the course of the day, and led tours focusing on the building’s extensive training facilities, sustainable design features and panoramic views over the city. There was also an opportunity for visitors to take self-guided tours and ask in-depth questions about the key architectural and design features of this inspiring contemporary building.

It is the first time the College has participated in this London-wide event, which celebrates buildings of all sizes, functions and eras, and it was a great opportunity to showcase the new Campus to a wider audience. Visitors, who came from all over the capital and beyond, were enthusiastic about the new building.

Architect Jef Smith, commenting by email, said: “City of Westminster College proved to be the architectural highlight of my weekend (and you had some strong competition!)…Well done to all those involved – you have achieved something of which you should be justifiably proud.”

Jane Clare, writing in the visitors’ book added: “Brilliantly devised working space with regards to concentration, comfort, sociability and a feeling of security. Top marks for sustainable features. Thanks for the excellent tour.”

Open House London, a weekend-long architecture festival each September, is organised by architecture education charity Open City. Some 700 buildings – ranging from private homes to prestigious offices – open their doors to the public for free. Many major galleries and public buildings also participate with special architecture-themed events. The concept has proved so popular that similar festivals now take place in other world cities, including Barcelona, Melbourne, New York and Rome. For more about Open House London and Open City, visit www.open-city.org.uk. 

Photo caption:
City of Westminster College Paddington Green Campus opened to the public for the capital’s major annual architecture festival Open House London.
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