Brunei Building refurbishment SOAS University of London

Building area 2,200m2

Contract period 2018 – 2019

Project value £2.5m

The Brunei Building refurbishment incorporated the revitalising and updating of a number of the interior spaces within the University. The lecture theatre and lobby space have created a new multi-purpose social study area and events space for the University: traditional lectures, film screenings and musical productions are some examples of what the University is now undertaking since completion.

Works to the space included: replacement of all existing seating with a hybrid fixed laptop benches and folding writing tablet seats; addition of power to seating for individual student use; replacement of wall and floor finishes to create a more contemporary aesthetic feel; re-design of the existing ceiling to create a more dynamic, stage-focused layout; replacement of lighting; addition of acoustic treatment to the ceiling and walls to allow for multi-purpose use; and inclusion of a new lobby and associated doors.

The renovation of the lobby area, outside the lecture theatre, has created a ‘milling’ space and multi- purpose area. The latter can be used for both student social study and as a drinks reception area for events; this also provides better links to the adjacent gallery – helping to transform this currently under-utilised space.

Works to the ‘milling’ space included: new low-level bench seating; re-design of the floor and ceiling finishes – including lighting to emphasise movement towards the multi-purpose space and gallery beyond; and additional wall finishes to create a more contemporary aesthetic look and feel. The multi- purpose space has new high-top tables, benches, and chairs for social study and drinks receptions, as well as a new feature lighting piece which brings this area to life.