City Lit, London

Background & Context

Previously the college occupied 3 sites and all the buildings were proving unsuitable for today's educational requirements. The old buildings could not withstand the level of refurbishment that was required to bring it up to today's standards, especially with regard to technology. It was also disruptive of learning for the students (and staff) to have to continually move between the buildings.

The new building is on a small footprint in Covent Garden, in the centre of London. The building was designed by award-winning architects Allies and Morrison. The brief was to create a modern bright building that met the needs of the 21st century learner whilst retaining the bond with the community. City Lit is proud of the way that it supports individuals, whatever their goals, and the new building had to reflect these values. The building also had to be 100% accessible for people with disabilities. The space consists of:

• 56 modern, bright teaching rooms and 8 tutorial rooms
• Specialist facilities for music, drama, art, fitness and complimentary therapies
• A roof-top sculpture court and garden
• A multi-purpose theatre seating 120
• A supported learning centre (library, study skills, access to learning)
• An information and advice centre
• Student lounges and a cafeteria for 80

The supported learning centre was designed to meet the needs of 21st century learning, incorporating accessibility, ICT and e-learning. Students have access to a wide range of resources including books, video, DVD, e-books and other online resources, CD-ROMs, journals and newspapers together with internet access.

There are 2 rooms plus a study skills room at the back of the learning centre used specifically to support students who have dyslexia.

Members of the community are encouraged to use the cafeteria.