SOM shortlisted for the redevelopment of the London School of Economics' Bankside House

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has announced a six-team shortlist - including SOM - competing for the redevelopment of its Bankside House hall of residence.

Situated near London's iconic Tate Modern art gallery, the project aims to deliver up to 2,000 student beds, making the site LSE's largest student residence. Built originally as offices for the nearby former Bankside Power Station in the 1950s, the block was converted by LSE into a 600-bed student hall of residence in 1997.

The redevelopment will support the institution in its aim to offer bed space to every first-year student from 2030. Prioritising affordability for students, the project also focuses on environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing and the offer of an outstanding student experience.

Julian Robinson, Director of Estates at LSE, said: "This location will require a piece of world-class architecture which will meet the ambitions of both LSE and Southwark Council. The calibre of this shortlist is a testament to each studio's exceptional design and delivery standards, each in their own design language.

"The partnership with our development managers with such extensive sector-specific knowledge is set to deliver a landmark building and raise the bar in the provision of affordable student accommodation in the city."

As the first verified carbon-neutral university in the UK, LSE has extensive experience in designing and procuring world-class buildings.

Read more in today's Architects' Journal here.