Entrance Structure in London

This further-education institute for teachers is housed in a Victorian school building. Installing a lift for disabled people presented an opportunity to redesign the entrance area. The lift tower and lobby are clearly defined glass volumes attached to the existing building, yet contrasted with it. The lift-tower glazing is decorated on both faces with graphic patterns: externally with enamelled letters of the alphabet, and internally with white numerals printed on a transparent vinyl film. The resulting diaphanous effect is reinforced by the glazed lift cabin and lighting in the form of vertical fluorescent tubes. The entrance is distinguished by a rear-lighted wall of polycarbonate sheets covered with coloured film.