Project Slideshow

Radio Lollipop Global HQ

What's the project then?

The design and project management of Radio Lollipop's newest station and global HQ, situated within the acclaimed atrium space at the Evelina Children's Hospital, London. The appointment also required us to design and arrange the manufacture of the DJ/presenter's desk.

How much then?

The budget was £50k. We delivered it with 22p left (to be precise).

What did Studio Mode do then?

A private donor provided £50k of charitable funding to the Guy's and St Thomas' charity, given specifically for the design and installation of the new Radio Lollipop global HQ. The monies were given on the condition of a fast project turnaround. Studio Mode were appointed as the design architect and project manager tasked with the design and delivery of the studio and its bespoke presenters' desk within. We worked closely with the hospital estates team to establish the exact size and scope of the project; Our concept design sketches proved popular with the hospital, the funders, the hospital charity and Radio Lollipop. Thereafter we developed the detailed design of our proposal, a minimalist glass box. The studio has no roof so it can be viewed from the children's wards above, and one entire wall can be removed to allow the studio to become a presinium stage set when the station is broadcasting to a large audience gathered on the atrium floor. We worked closely with a specialist sub-contractor and project managed the design, delivery to site and construction. We then designed and administered a series of direct sub-contract packages to fit out the studio. To marry with the see through nature of the studio, we designed the presenter's desk as an entirely transparent installation. The result is a design that children find intriguing welcoming and exciting. The presenter's desk is thought to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. We successfully handed the project over and met the timeline set by the funders.

Anything else?

Yes. Studio Mode were also asked to assist with the design of the grand opening, which involved wrapping the box as a giant present using tensile wires such that it could be revealed to the five hundred strong crowd on cue in a single instant.

Any tricky bits?

The hospital requested the studio's glass panels to be delivered by crane as a single operation which required the closure of Lambeth Palace Road. All other components were designed to fit within the available goods lift. In addition to this the atrium floor is an entirely terrazzo finish located over the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit, therefore mechanical fixings to the floor were not permitted. Our resulting design for the studio and desk is entirely free standing.

Any good then?

Both the funder and the hospital charity were extremely pleased with the final solution. The hospital estates team were delighted with the project and felt it complimented their iconic and award winning building well. Most importantly of all however, the children love it. (PS and so did Alesha Dixon who was kind enough to officially open it).

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