London Metropolitan University suspends Cass Faculty dean Robert Mull over relocation opposition

London Metropolitan University suspended Robert Mull as dean of the Cass Faculty for Art, Architecture and Design on December 9, 2015. His removal followed vocal opposition to plans relocating all faculties to the Holloway Road campus in north London. Students and staff expressed shock at the decision. The university stated Mull would continue teaching and serving as professor and director of Architecture. A campaign to preserve the Cass included protests and a petition gathering hundreds of signatures. Notable supporters included architect David Chipperfield, architect Richard Rogers, and Whitechapel Art Gallery director Iwona Blazwick. Critics argued the move would dismantle the faculty's distinctive educational model emphasizing hands-on learning and local industry collaboration. The Cass Faculty was based in Whitechapel at the time.