Design Museum
Location: Kensington, London
Architect: John Pawson / OMA / Allies and Morrison
2016
The Design museum in Kensington is the UK’s leading museum devoted to showcasing contemporary design, including graphic, architectural, fashion and product design.
Originally based in Shad Thames, London, the Design museum relocated to a new site in Kensington High Street in order to expand their enterprises and increase the floor space for their growing archive.
The existing 1960's Grade II listed building was originally home to the Commonwealth Institute, however it had fallen into disrepair due to a lack of funding, officially closing it’s doors in 2002.
In 2008 the Design museum was confirmed as the new occupant, and work quickly began on the new building. The original roof structure remained intact, however the remaining main structure and interior balconies were demolished.
Various architects worked on the project, with John Pawson working on the interior fit out, OMA working on the overall masterplan and Allies and Morrison on the refurbishment of the exterior of the museum.
The museum officially opened it's doors on the 24th November 2016, with the new design providing three times as much space as the previous Shad Thames site.
