Royal College of Art's Kensington Campus Begins "Stripped-Back" Renovation
The renovation of the Royal College of Art's Kensington campus in west London has commenced, spearheaded by Witherford Watson Mann and Clementine Blakemore Architects. This initiative will rejuvenate the Grade II-listed Darwin Building, constructed in 1962, striking a balance between preservation and innovation. The architects intend to respect Cadbury Brown's original vision while improving environmental sustainability, accessibility, and educational spaces. The project will involve revealing the steel framework of the 1980s linear gallery. Launched in 2025, the renovation is being executed with contributions from the RCA community, Westminster City Council, and Historic England, and is set for completion in 2032, ensuring that teaching can proceed uninterrupted. The RCA, established in 1837, also has campuses in Battersea and White City.
Key facts
- Renovation of the Royal College of Art's Kensington campus in west London has commenced.
- The project is overseen by British studios Witherford Watson Mann and Clementine Blakemore Architects.
- The revamp will reinvigorate the Grade II-listed Darwin Building, built in 1962.
- The project aims for a "careful balance of conservation and transformation," according to the RCA.
- Witherford Watson Mann and Clementine Blakemore Architects will honour the original design by Cadbury Brown while improving environmental performance, accessibility, and teaching facilities.
- Works commenced in 2025 and are scheduled to be completed in 2032, carried out in stages to allow teaching to continue.
- The RCA was founded in 1837 and has alumni including artist Tracey Emin and designer James Dyson.
- The plans were developed with input from the RCA community, Westminster City Council, and Historic England.
Entities
Artists
- Cadbury Brown
- Tracey Emin
- James Dyson
- Oliver Stiff
- Vivienne Westwood
- Clementine Blakemore
- Christoph Lindner
Institutions
- Royal College of Art
- Witherford Watson Mann
- Clementine Blakemore Architects
- Westminster City Council
- Historic England
- Dezeen
- Witherford Watson Mann Architects
- Royal Albert Hall
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Kensington
- Battersea
- White City
- South Kensington
- Exhibition Road
Sources
- Dezeen —
- FAD Magazine —