UCL One Pool Street

Newham, Greater London

UCL One Pool Street is a bold and forward-looking academic building that supports new models of learning, research and public engagement. Located within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the project establishes a strong institutional presence within a rapidly developing urban context, positioning the university as an active participant in the life of the city rather than a remote academic enclave. The building reflects UCL’s commitment to openness, experimentation and civic responsibility, embedding academic activity within one of London’s most significant regeneration areas.

Architecturally, the building is robust, legible and deliberately adaptable. Its clear structural expression gives the building a strong identity and provides a flexible framework capable of accommodating a wide range of academic uses. Rather than prescribing fixed functions, the architecture allows spaces to evolve over time, supporting changing pedagogical models, research practices and patterns of occupation. This emphasis on adaptability ensures that the building remains relevant as academic needs develop.

The organisation of the building reinforces its civic role. Public-facing spaces at ground level are designed to encourage engagement with the surrounding community, creating opportunities for interaction between the university and the wider public. These spaces contribute to the animation of the public realm and signal the building’s openness and accessibility. Above, teaching, research and support spaces are arranged to support collaboration and visibility, reinforcing connections between disciplines and users.

Internally, the building prioritises clarity and ease of use. Circulation routes are legible and efficient, allowing users to move through the building intuitively. Shared spaces support informal encounter alongside more formal academic activity, encouraging exchange and collaboration. The balance between private and communal areas reflects contemporary approaches to learning and research, which value interaction as well as concentration.

Sustainability is embedded through efficient systems, adaptable design and long-term durability. The building is designed to evolve over time, reducing the need for future intervention and minimising environmental impact. Robust construction and flexible layouts ensure that spaces can be reconfigured without major structural change, extending the building’s useful life. Environmental strategies support operational efficiency while maintaining comfortable internal conditions, aligning sustainability objectives with everyday use.

Inclusive design is integral to the project. Step-free access is provided throughout, supported by clear wayfinding and generous circulation spaces that accommodate students, staff and visitors of differing abilities. The emphasis on legibility and openness ensures that the building can be navigated independently and with confidence, reinforcing the university’s commitment to equality and inclusion. Adaptable spaces further support a diverse range of users and activities.

The wider impact of UCL One Pool Street lies in its contribution to the regeneration of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and its surrounding neighbourhoods. By locating a major academic building within this evolving area, the project demonstrates how universities can play an active role in shaping inclusive urban environments. The building supports education, research and public engagement while contributing to the vitality of the local area, reinforcing the idea of the campus as an integrated part of the city. Through adaptability, inclusivity and long-term thinking, the project demonstrates how academic buildings can support innovation while contributing positively to their urban context, ensuring lasting value for both the university and the wider community.