says Oliver Richards founder of ORMS Architecture Design
London is full of ‘if only’ projects that have been realised – making it a truly great world city that is ever changing, ever evolving, ever exciting. If only this evolution would continue with buildings designed to make the most of the ‘in-between’ spaces. One of the last open sites in central London is up for grabs as the Royal Mail moves out of its 5 ha Mount Pleasant site.
Since the 18th century this area has been isolated – a prison and now the Sorting Office. The site sits ‘in-between’ five areas with their own distinct characters. If only it could be made into a special destination, like a new university, and not just the usual mix of housing, offices and shops. If only we could use the energy and imagination of young people to make Mount Pleasant a truly accessible and special place to inspire the next generation.
Oliver Richards
Oliver Richards founded ORMS Architecture Design in 1984. He is currently vice president for education at the RIBA. The practice in Clerkenwell employs 40 architects in projects across the UK and Europe. ORMS designs for a broad range of work, currently focused on the reuse of buildings, new build commercial, leisure and education projects. orms.co.uk
