← Imperial DZ1← Imperial DZ1

We’ve been transforming rough and underused spaces into social hubs for a while. From car parks and warehouses to brownfield sites, our work has breathed new life in unexpected places. With DZ1, we’re doing it again by transforming the space beneath the Westway flyover. The set of two flexible permanent buildings and their accompanying landscape will turn this unique setting into a celebration of interactions at the heart of the new Imperial White City Campus.

Situated at the heart of the campus, where the Westway divides the site, DZ1 serves as a key crossing point for staff, students, visitors, and the wider community. We collaborated closely with stakeholders and locals to define the mix of uses for the buildings and the parameters for the landscape design, all with the goal of transforming this corner of the campus into a lively hub — encouraging positive chance encounters and hosting meaningful events.

With higher education evolving rapidly, we’ve designed DZ1 to be future-proof and adaptable. The building’s flexible design, featuring non-structural cores and wide, regular spans, ensures it can change, dismantle, and grow with its users, staying relevant for years to come.

While both buildings have been designed as flexible spaces, one is currently plan to serve as a central hub for food and drink on campus, while the other is set to become a third space for the Imperial Community — a welcoming place for socialising outside of home, study, and work.

"Turner Works has responded to our brief in this unique location with two buildings which celebrate their surroundings and welcome our community. As with everything we are doing at White City Campus, the buildings will meet the highest sustainability standards." —  Sarah Cary, Imperial’s chief development officer for White City