Harvard GSD Residences Program Building in London

Harvard GSD Residences Program Building in London

The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) opened a Residences Program in London, United Kingdom, designed for researchers working on a wide range of urbanism issues.

Richard Rogers House — the name of the project — was prepared for its new life as a studio by Gumuchdjian Architects, founded by Philip Gumuchdjian, who worked for Richard Rogers's firm for 18 years.

At the time, the house became one of the first examples of an industrial approach to residential construction and stood out with a radical departure from conventional building technologies. Richard Rogers applied a modular principle based on long-lasting steel structures, allowing for future technical updates in line with evolving standards. The building is distinguished by its radical use of fully glazed facades at that time, creating a coherent composition of courtyards, gardens, and interior spaces.

The value of this building, gifted by Richard Rogers to the University, is also confirmed by its listing in the register of cultural heritage objects.

The main idea behind the renovation was to preserve more the architectural character rather than the physical fabric of the building.

Using modern materials, designers replaced the entire roof and asbestos-filled external walls, demolished recently added structures, removed unnecessary internal partitions, upgraded technical systems, and completely renovated the garden.