Building Blocks

The much-anticipated unveiling of the Lincoln Square residences reveals the power of collaboration between design visionaries Patricia Urquiola, PLP Architecture, Gustafson Porter and Bowler James Brindley. Orchestrated by developers Lodha Group, who are making their London debut with this prestigious project, it’s destined to become a design destination.

- Catherine Belbin & Joanne Molina

Leading architectural practice PLP Architecture was tasked with creating a contemporary architectural design that would sit in harmony with the surrounding architectural masterpieces.

Speaking to identity, Alessandra Luzzatto, partner at PLP who is leading the design team, spoke about the challenges of the redevelopment in the Strand Conservation Area of Westminster.

“It was a great challenge to create a design that respects the scale and form of the historic areas surrounding the square. We wanted to create something that makes a statement while not contradicting the surroundings, which includes the Victorian Gothic style of the Royal Courts of Justice and the neoJacobean Land Registry building.”

“We also had to respect the guidelines and restrictions imposed by the planning and building authorities. This includes the high ceilings, the profile and the finishings,” she continues.

The company selected high-quality British and Portuguese sandstone for the façade, as this provides continuity with many of the nearby buildings, as well as maintaining a balance of form and scale.

“One of the most beautiful aspects is the way that the stone façade changes colour when it rains, giving the exterior a more dynamic look,” says Luzzatto, who has practised architecture in Europe and the Middle East for over two decades. She is involved with numerous prestigious projects in the UK as well as in Abu Dhabi.

Lee Polisano of PLP Architecture, best known for the Sky HQ and The Edge in Amsterdam – considered to be one of the world’s most sustainable offie complexes – agrees, saying: “We sought to seamlessly blend Lincoln Square with its heritage location.”