Upgrading Lord's Media Centre

TL;DR

The Lord's Media Center, originally designed by Future Systems, has been refurbished to meet the evolving needs of broadcasters and journalists while maintaining the unique design concept.

Transcript

it's a Marmite type building you either love it or you hate it and actually the members have really come to love it over the last 18 years since it was built the original design is really a response to a very unique brief and a extremely unique site the site is 15 M off the ground facing a truly iconic building which is the Pavilion Lord's Cricut g... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 The Lord's Media Center was designed by Future Systems, with a unique curved form using aluminum inspired by boat building technology.
• 🫡 The refurbishment project aimed to respect the original design concept while updating the facilities to meet the changing needs of journalists, broadcasters, and event organizers.
• 👶 Digital modeling and laser scanning were used to understand the existing structure and coordinate new elements without compromising the building's integrity.
• 🔉 The addition of a camera Gantry hanging from the media center required careful engineering analysis to ensure structural stability.
• 🤣 The refurbishment project resulted in an increase in floor area, improved broadcasting facilities, and a better utilization of space for conferences and events.
• 🛟 Attention was given to preserving and enhancing the original design while making necessary adaptations for modern requirements.
• 😎 The movement joint in the facade was a sensitive area during the refurbishment, as it had to accommodate the additional structures without compromising the glass integrity.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the need for constructing the Lord's Media Center in 1999?

The growing demand from millions of cricket fans worldwide necessitated a dedicated media center to broadcast matches and provide coverage during the World Cup and other events.

Q: How did the original design approach reduce the mass of the building?

The use of aluminum, a strong yet lightweight and pliable material, allowed the architects to achieve complex curved forms, maintain views from the Pavilion, and create a visually appealing structure.

Q: What were the challenges faced during the refurbishment project?

The main challenges included understanding the original construction methods, capturing the existing building conditions, and integrating new elements such as the Gantry and mezzanine without compromising the seating or view from the media center.

Q: How has the refurbishment enhanced the functionality of the Lord's Media Center?

The refurbishment project has increased the internal floor area by 15%, provided larger broadcasting studio rooms, relocated the bar and kitchen to create more dining space, and made the building more versatile for conferences and events.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Lord's Media Center was built in 1999 to accommodate the growing number of cricket spectators worldwide.

• The original design used aluminum, inspired by boat building technology, to create complex curved forms while minimizing the mass of the building.

• The recent refurbishment aimed to respect the original design concept while improving facilities for broadcasters, journalists, and conference events.