Continuing the successful relationship with the University of Westminster Fashion department, Rock Townsend was asked to design the next phase of their studio spaces.

Westminster has a world-class reputation for producing highly creative fashion professionals. It is also home to the Westminster Menswear Archive, housing over 1500 garments from world-known menswear designers including Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier, an exceptional resource for students, staff and industry professionals. The Department therefore required a fittingly high-quality studio space for its students, to inspire creativity and facilitate learning.

The architectural language of the new space was developed with reference to fashion magazines and photography and in close collaboration with its users. A simple, muted aesthetic was chosen to prioritise
functionality and enable multiple activities in the same space. The incorporation of sliding partitions allows areas to be opened up or closed off as required by the students, and tables are mounted on wheels to enable relocation. We focussed on drawing in plenty of natural light through full-height windows throughout the length of the studio, as well as an additional skylight.

Click here to read about our award-winning 1st Men’s Fashion studio at Harrow Campus.

Client: University of Westminster

Contractor: Alcema

Size: 400sqm

Value: £600,000

Status: Completed: 2019

Photography: Matt Clayton

RT Team: Mark Gabbey; Tim Robinson; Wajiha Dadabhoy