Transformation of London School of Economics Portugal Street
London, United Kingdom | 2026-
Portugal Street Public Realm reimagines the interface between the London School of Economics (LSE) and the wider city. The scheme promotes green space, exchange, biodiversity, sustainability and inclusivity, extending the academic environment into the public domain and encouraging interaction between students, staff, and the broader community.
The design establishes a pedestrian-first environment through a unified, step-free ground plane and strategically controlled vehicular access. Key spaces — including King’s Square and St Clement’s Lane — are pedestrianised to create a connected sequence of flexible outdoor rooms that support learning, gathering, and everyday social activity. These spaces enable the campus to spill into the street, accommodating informal study, events, and public engagement.
A strong placemaking strategy is reinforced through integrated landscape, planting, and sustainable drainage, alongside a cohesive art framework. Interactive installations act as landmarks and wayfinding elements, reflecting the diversity of the LSE community through evolving light, colour, and data.
Together, the proposal transforms Portugal Street into a vibrant, accessible, and adaptable civic spine — supporting both academic life and urban connectivity.
“For students, staff and the wider LSE community, the public spaces between our buildings have become central to the unique university experience. As an intensely urban institution at the heart of London, Gustafson Porter + Bowman’s elegant proposals for Portugal Street will bring the city and the university closer together.”
“We are thrilled to have won this competition to develop the concept design for the LSE public realm. Our proposal aims to make Portugal Street the heart of the Campus for students and faculty but also a destination for visitors who want to engage with and learn about the fantastic research and thinking taking place at LSE.”
“The LSE Estates strategy has two parts: creating world-class buildings to match our academic reputation and curating a distinctive LSE university quarter. Gustafson Porter + Bowman’s proposals will complement and enhance this ambition and will create a unique piece of public realm.”