London College of Communication, UAL – Elephant & Castle

The new £250m London College of Communication campus at Elephant & Castle will provide a state-of-the-art, 11-storey creative hub for over 5,000 students, featuring flexible learning spaces, public areas, and cutting-edge media and design facilities.

End Client: London College of Communication: UAL

Developer: Multiplex

Client: ECS Engineering Services

Project Overview

The London College of Communication (LCC), a constituent of the University of the Arts London (UAL), has been a cornerstone of the Elephant & Castle community since 1962. As part of a comprehensive £4 billion regeneration initiative for the area, a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility is under construction to replace the existing campus. Scheduled to open in September 2027, this new building aims to enhance capacity in the creative industries—spanning design, media, and screen—and to establish a vibrant creative hub for both students and the local community.

Shepherd Gilmour’s Involvement

Shepherd Gilmour was commissioned to undertake the detailed structural design of the building's architectural centrepiece: an 11-storey complex stair-core. This central feature not only serves a functional purpose but also embodies the aesthetic vision of the development. Our responsibilities extended to providing designs for temporary works in accordance with BS 5975 standards and conducting lifting assessments throughout the construction phase to ensure safety and structural integrity.

3D render of building section showing stair core — 3D Render - London College of Communication, Highlighting Stair Core

Advanced Modelling Techniques

To address the project's structural challenges, we employed advanced modelling techniques, including linear-elastic one-dimensional and non-linear plastic two-dimensional finite element analysis. These methods facilitated rapid verification of design concepts and allowed for comprehensive detailed design processes. On-site testing revealed structural behaviours that closely matched our predictive models, thereby validating our analytical approach. This precision in modelling provided the installation team with reliable data concerning anticipated stresses and deflections during complex assembly procedures.

Finite Element Analysis stress contour plot of stair — 3D - Non-linear FEA of Feature Stair Structure

Collaborative Success

The successful realisation of the stair-core was the result of close collaboration among multiple stakeholders: the building designers, installation contractors, and fabricators. Together, we navigated and resolved several intricate challenges, ensuring that the installation of the staircase was completed on schedule and within budget, all while preserving the architectural intent of the project.

3D render of stair structure — 3D Render - Stair Structure Architectural Intent

Outcome and Impact

Upon its completion, the new London College of Communication building will accommodate over 5,000 students and more than 500 staff members. The facility is designed with flexibility in mind, featuring adaptable spaces that can evolve alongside technological advancements and changing educational needs. The first two floors will be accessible to the public, fostering greater community engagement through exhibitions, events, and collaborative projects. This development not only signifies a significant investment in education and the arts but also serves as a catalyst for the ongoing transformation of the Elephant & Castle area into a dynamic and inclusive urban environment.

For further information on this cutting-edge new building, see UAL Article.