The National Gallery, London

The National Gallery
The National Gallery
The National Gallery
The National Gallery
The National Gallery
The National Gallery
The National Gallery
The National Gallery
Client 
The Trustees of the National Gallery
Awards 
RIBA Crown Estate Conservation Award 2006
Awards 
RIBA Inclusive Design Award (Shortlisted) 2006

The practice has worked at the National Gallery since 1989 and served as Consultant Architects to the Gallery for twelve years. During that period, the team worked in close collaboration with gallery staff to oversee every aspect of the building. The collection was completely redisplayed and the public facilities were reordered. The team rationalized the muddled circulation, creating a visual structure throughout the exhibition spaces using new decorative schemes. The original architecture, which had been obscured by alterations in the 1960s and 70s, was uncovered, and architecturally interesting 'spots', such as the memorable octagonal room, were created to help orientate visitors. The practice was also responsible for the interior fit out of the Sainsbury Wing, designing a touch screen information room, restaurant, and picture storage and archive facilities. The most dramatic scheme of work was undertaken in the unloved North Wing. Here, the 1970s Brutalist interior was remodelled to provide an architectural framework for the displays, softening these previously uninviting spaces.