The Millennium Project at Southwark Cathedral
The Millennium Project at Southwark Cathedral
The Millennium Project, opened by Nelson Mandela in 2001, involved the cleaning and floodlighting of the external fabric of the Cathedral, the relandscaping of the churchyard, and the design of new buildings around a new courtyard giving visitors access to the Cathedral from the Thames Path. We acted as structural engineers to transform the area around Southwark Cathedral into a culturally and economically active quarter.
To help the Cathedral re-establish its spiritual and architectural presence, and working with Richard Griffiths Architects, we refurbished the medieval structure and constructed a new visitor and study centre alongside the Cathedral. This provides a library, refectory, shop and conference rooms in an L-shaped structure echoing some of the former cloister. The use of precast concrete is a particular feature of the building, and a very stone-like finish has been achieved.
The project went on to win a RIBA National Award and a Civil Trust Awards Commendation.
Client: Southwark Cathedral
Architect: Richard Griffiths Architects
Photos: Courtesy of Richard Griffiths Architects