Capital was commissioned by the University of Westminster to prepare an RIBA Stage 1 Report to define options and refine the scope for improvements to Ambika P3 at the Universities’ Marylebone Road site.

Ambika P3 is a vast triple height space that has been developed from the former concrete construction hall of the School of Engineering. The space hosts a range of creative activities including; exhibitions, talks, fashion shows and the like. P3 is hidden in the basement and has poor street presence. There is a convoluted access that currently gives visitors a poor experience.

The brief was to create a new dedicated access to the space that was DDA compliant and to enhance the facilities at P3.

Capital developed three options that offered different opportunities for configuring the access arrangements and that challenged the clients thinking. The preferred solution enhances the exiting entrance with a new box office and signage. A new lift and staircase takes visitors externally down one level where the building will be entered via a new entrance. The entrance will provide a small exhibition space and a new lift and stairs descending two stories to P3. Proposals also include the improvement to offices and the creation of a new Green Room and Small Event/Project Space.