Bishopsgate Institute

Refurbishment of this late Victorian centre for arts, culture and learning was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Included in the renovation was improved circulation and accessibility, additional bathroom facilities, a new entrance and cafeteria extension. The Great Hall was extensively renovated and low energy air conditioning discretely integrated into the panelling.

A significant challenge in this project was to install mechanical ventilation ductwork behind panelling in the Great Hall, and to introduce air supply without visible grilles. The solution was to create vertical shafts within the wall thickness and to supply the air behind existing cast iron radiators.

(Michael Popper at Michael Popper Associates)