Like many universities, City University has a number of listed buildings and spaces. When learning spaces are at a premium the question is what best to do with these spaces within the strictures of say a Grade 2 listing.
The Grade1 listed Anatomy Theatre and Museum at King’s College is a case in point. Part of their Strand campus these historic spaces were refurbished in 2009 by Overbury. Converted to an atmospheric and multifunctional learning space, this suite of rooms has retained a distinctive quality.
They are used for talks, lectures, research and exhibitions and have state of the art audio visual equipment that allows transmission to other locations. The original iron galleries are retained, with five large suspended screens beneath. The five digital projectors also drop down from the ceiling on expanding pantograph scissor arms, similar to those used for lighting in television studios.
These linked spaces are also used for public events and ongoing research into what part performance plays across disciplines and practices, and how digital innovation can enhance scholarship.
The aims for these spaces could be considered as a benchmark for some of the proposed new and refurbished learning spaces at City. The listing of an historic space is no bar to innovation in its design and use.
Exploring and inspiring performance and e-research across disciplines and domains
Support existing and stimulate new communities of practice
Think, create, innovate
Collaborate and communicate
Conduct world class teaching, learning and research
Engage with the public and bring new audiences to King’s
