Metrospective Rogers

Rogers proteges miss out on Lloyd's redesign

An unknown practice from east London has been appointed to redesign the interior of Richard Rogers’ iconic Lloyd’s building, replacing Rogers’ protege Flacq.
Architecture Technology Interiors, which is not registered with the RIBA, has been appointed to redesign one office in the landmark building, a commission that is expected to lead to further work.
John Mitchell, Lloyd’s head of property, said Flacq’s involvement was “still to be decided” — even though the practice was appointed to do a feasibility study last year and has already finalised designs including a new disabled lift and reception area.
Flacq is formed of four former Richard Rogers Partnership architects, who had previous involvement with the Lloyd’s building and were working on the project with Rogers’ blessing.
The move is believed to be a cost-cutting measure prompted by Lloyd’s new chief executive Richard Ward, who has worked with ATI before. Since Ward’s appointment in March, Lloyd’s has also cancelled a rebranding exercise that was due to be undertaken by consultancy Saffron.
Twentieth Century Society director Catherine Croft said: “It’s an incredibly important building and we would want to see any alterations take on board what’s special about it. We would like to see an equally good, high-quality design go into it.”
The society intends to apply to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport to have the building spotlisted, but has so far been refused access by Lloyd’s.
The insurance giant put its plans to redevelop the interior of its headquarters on hold last year following Hurricane Katrina, which was a major financial blow to the industry. It is now looking at whether to go ahead next year.
RRP completed the Lloyd’s building in 1986. Rogers was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

(by Ellen Bennett pics and txt www.bdonline.co.uk)