PRiSM offers us a glimpse of what is possible.
When embarking on the project to reimagine and develop the building into Great Western Studios, we knew ‘the constraints of the build would be its making,’ says Bryden Wood Board Director, Architecture,.The aim was to create a great building that would respond to its context/environment and that is certainly what Bryden Wood have achieved.
The initial challenges posed by the building’s proximity to the Westway and Grand Union canal, as well as the limited site space for construction, have birthed a space of both aesthetic and functional dynamic, equally capable of fulfilling its practical goal of providing creative office spaces to West London creative businesses..According to O’Neill, the biggest challenge of the project was the building of phase 2 over the fully occupied, existing (phase 1) building.He says that whilst knowing the building would be in use by creative industries did give a sense of freedom regarding the design, ‘it was clear that the building needed to deliver value to ensure we created affordable workspaces.’ These, he notes, are still in shortage in West London.
‘It’s stylish yet affordable,’ he says of GWS, ‘and a perfect contrast to the generic, co-working businesses which have established themselves over the past five or so years.’ The ground floor studios are ideal for startups, whilst an upper-story, canal-side unit makes an excellent workspace for an office of 20 plus.. O’Neill loves the diverse collection of creatives and businesses the building has attracted and says he’s ‘glad it has provided GWS and its tenants with a safe, welcoming, happy environment which is conducive to hard, serious and creative business.’ From an architectural perspective, his favourite thing about the building is the gentle curve alongside the canal side elevation.‘Look again at sites/buildings that may not seem the best option,’ he urges developers who may be considering taking on similar projects.
‘ And let the architects do their work.’
The process of delivering built assets has become fragmented.Run For The Hills.
when I ask why they set up shop in W2, as opposed to joining the creative masses in the East End.His wife and business partner, Interior Designer, Anna Burles, adds, ‘more trees, more parks and we’re close to Notting Hill and Maida Vale.
It’s great.’ What’s more, they enjoy every Londoner’s dream of a ten minute cycle commute from their home in Queen’s Park to their GWS base.. Run For The Hills specialises in branding and interiors, making the most of Chris and Anna’s shared aesthetic, 'at the quirky, edgy, end of design.’ Hospitality projects from bars to restaurants, and even a boutique cinema, are where their complementary skills intertwine.‘One informs the other,’ says Trotman.