This educational institution is designed to help young people from low-income families to receive an architectural education at the initial stage, so that they can then continue their studies in specialized universities. The center is named after a black teenager who dreamed of becoming an architect, but was killed in 1993 by a street gang.
For the building's architect, David Adjaye, this is the third major minority building in the UK in six months. Last fall, Rivington Place Gallery and Bernie Grant Arts Center opened in London, dedicated to the work of the non-indigenous people of the United Kingdom. At the same time, Ajaye, who belongs to this category, denies the presence of any specifically “colored” elements in his works, although he often turns to the works of African arts and crafts in search of inspiration.
The Stephen Lawrence Center is a multi-part, metal-paneled volume facing outward with sharp angles. This "harsh" decision is due to the peculiarity of the urban planning situation: the building is located at the intersection of several streets.
Outside, the walls of the building are covered with fine aluminum mesh, creating a moire effect on the facade. The overall graphic design of the building is based on the work of the artist Chris Ofili.
On a usable area of 1320 sq. m, the Center houses auditoriums, workshops, computer classes, digital design studios. While there are up to 200 people a week, the future director of the Center, Stephen Lawrence's mother Doreen Lawrence plans to raise this number to 250.
