Summary Portfolio

1. CHARLES L. OLSEN projects
BA (Hons) Dip (Arch) Oxford RIBA
UK registered architect summary
V01 : 02.16.10 1996 - 2009

2. CONTENTS
masterplan
mixed use
workplace
residential
refurbishment
V01 - 02.10.10 interiors
retail
culture & sport
education / healthcare

3. masterplan
Hungerford Footbridges, London Chelsea Barracks, London SW1 Goodman’s Fields, London E1 NEC Birmingham, UK Stratford Town Centre, London E15 London Southbank University, London SE1
£20m project linking the north and south of the Thames Confidential masterplan plan for a delicate intervention into A high density urban neighbourhood incorporating a new Expansion proposals for a large exhibition centre site propos- A large masterplan and design project to improve and re- Initial masterplan over view of the campus to allow ongoing
via two 300m pedestrian footbridges hung either side of an an historic and residential area in London. Key aspirations life for an impermeable 7 acre site at the edge of the City of ing new, site specific but flexible building typologies. enliven an existing town centre. The proposals sought to approval of development opportunities - masterplan led to
existing rail bridge. The link opens up improved access to the included improved permeability , the creation an improved London. The scheme sought to provide new and needed repair a the piece meal and disjointed centre by providing later commission for a singular building considered as part of
cultural centre at the South Bank with the West End and offers, residential outlook, public open space with a communal focus. open space located to offer new uses and spaces to serve the competition entry 2005 active frontages to areas currently occupied by the car and the masterplan
now world famous, views of the River and London existing and new community. expanding an existing shopping centre and expanding local
competition entry 2009 populations creating a critical mixed use mass. feasibility masterplan 2004
opened 2002 planning submission 2008
outline design 2007

4. mixed use
46 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 Doon Street development, London SE1 Chelsea Barracks, London SW1 Stratford Town Centre, London E15 Goodman’s Fields, London E1
250,000 sqft consisting; 650,000 sqft consisting: Confidential masterplan plan consisting: 1.5million sqft masterplan consisting; 1.7million sqft masterplan consisting;
• 134 market residential units • 86,000 sqft sports and leisure consisting: • luxury market and affordable housing • 900 residential units • 825 residential units
• 64 affordable housing units 25m x 8 lane swimming pool, gym, fitness studios, • retail • 150 new car parking spaces • 300 hotel rooms
• 35,000 sqft office space multipurpose sports hall, health spa.... • commercial • 370,000 sqft retail • 650 student rooms
• 3,000 sqft retail space • 82,000 sqft office / education • community uses • 21,000 sqft leisure space • primary care centre
• 360 residential units • sports • 50,000 sqft hotel • flexible commercial / workshop / retail space
planning submission (withheld) 2007 • 39,000 sqft cultural (Rambert Dance Company) • healthcare • 11,000 sqft restaurant • 2.5 acres of public open space
• 20,000 sqft public realm improvements • 9,000 sqft community uses • 1.8 acres of communal open space
competition entry 2009
planning approval 2009 outline design 2007 planning submission 2008

5. workplace
Brikbeck College, London W1 CAE Electronics, Burgess Hill, Sussex UK Wedge House, London SE1 Davidson Building, London W1 The Charlotte Building, London W1 20 Soho Square, London W1
The refurbishment of an existing education building into sim- A low energy office scheme utilising existing pre cast concrete A new 80,000 sqft office building with a low energy ventilation The combination of structure, service and architecture come A new high specification office with bespoke cladding de- Extensive refurbishment and extension of an existing steel
ple open plan office / education space. The deign solutions systems to create long span open plan space with the ability system and carefully designed facade to facilitate solar control. together to create a building of simplicity. A low energy signed to tend to technical and aesthetic criteria of this tight framed building. Low energy cooling is weaved into the exist-
focused on the provision of simple low tech HVAC systems for easy cellularisation. Careful control of solar gain, natural The facade treatment combines external shading with high displacement ventilation system is aided by the atrium buffer urban site. Again this building has benefitted from the experi- ing fabric to maximise floor to ceiling heights, whilst new cores
whilst maximising floor to ceiling heights. lighting and indirect artificial lighting were imperative to create performance glazing that reduces the need and provision of zone, low solar gain through orientation and passive shading ence and development in low energy systems and the urge to and extensions optimise open plan office space and ‘clear’ the
a comfortable interior environment. cooling. The building offers high occupancy comfort with low and the exposed insitu concrete frame. Exposed mass controls provide user friendly and controlled environments. floor plans of obstructions.
completed 2004 energy demands temperature swings by absorbing heat during the day which is
completed 1999 purged at night time using outside air ready for the next day. completed 2009 completed 2002
tendered 2009
completed 2003

6. residential
Doon Street development, London SE1 Chelsea Barracks, London SW1 Paris Garden, London SE1 2012 Olympics Athletes Village, London E15 Stratford Town Centre, London E15 Goodman’s Fields, London E1
380 high rise luxury apartments incorporated with low rise Luxury apartment development for the international market Developed on a very narrow site and facing an existing church The key to the design of these buildings is legacy. Whilst 1000 units over an extended shopping mall, courtyards are 800 residential units are provided within an urban masterplan
market units (potentially affordable) and community uses. incorporating houses, penthouse apartments as well as afford- yard the building fits tightly onto its site and maximises density. designs must suit Olympic requirements the ability to prepare proposed at third floor above a shopping centre and car designed to improve outlook, permeability and connection to
Layouts of structure and cores enable flexibility in the plan to able housing and community provisions 85 affordable units are proposed as off site provision for nearby sellable and valuable residential units is key. Working within parking. Residential areas are visible from street level through the locality. 6 very slender towers are integrated into courtyard
attend to changing unit mixes whilst maximising views and market developments by the same client. Tight budgets were a well defined masterplan and design code to tight (if not im- glimpses of the courtyards above to create a more complex blocks, sharing lifts and services keep overall costs to a mini-
daylighting. competition entry 2009 adhered to through the use of natural, robust materials that movable timescales) the building designs developed through town centre of connectivity and permeability. mum whilst providing key urban markers and providing value
age well and limit maintenance requirements construction techniques, tight budgets and clear value advice through accommodation at high level.
planning approval 2009 from agents and the client outline design 2007
planning submission 2002 (withheld to suit other site pro- planning submission 2008
grams) under construction 2009

7. refurbishment
Liberty Department Store, London W1 20 Soho Square, London W1 Birkbeck College, London W1 Tower House, London W1
Internal refurbishment of a Grade II* listed building and interior An office refurbishment including the upgrading and exten- A refurbishment of a 1950’s university building in centriole Extensive refurbishment of an existing steel framed, Portland
including proposals for new HVAC systems, extension and pos- sion of all areas of the existing steel framed building. A new low London including extensive internal re-planning, new cores, Stone and Glazed Terracotta clad building. Significant repair
sible roof top restaurant. energy HVAC system was installed within the existing structure lifts and HVAC strategy. External facades were cleaned and work was undertaken to the facades as well as the overhauling
to maximise head room. External facades, windows and con- repaired in conjunction with remodelling of the existing of the existing steel windows. Internal works included a new
planning approval 2002 cealed shading awnings were refurbished and repaired. entrance facade to provide improved presentation and street core and services distribution network to provide raised access
presence floors and ceiling mounted fan coil units.
completed 2002
completed 2004 completed 2003

8. interiors
Tower House reception, London Harvey Nichols Restaurant, London 20 Soho Square reception Davidson Building reception Harvey Nichols Restaurant, Manchester
The existing reception was increased in height exposing the An eliptical space carved within the existing building shell, the A simple use of natural materials (filled travertine marble) This large, double height space, is set behind the retained Jet black granite flooring, contemporary classic furniture and
existing lift shaft and circulation stair. Cold cathode lighting, restaurant marks the return of the grand dining room. Irides- create an elegant entrance and transition space between the facade. The room is designed to contain a number of pieces of spectacular but subtle lighting set the tone in the this restau-
and a back lit low iron glass reception desk create a changing cent rods line the walls and an elliptical glass dome, compris- street and refurbished oval spiral stair and new lift shaft. A ‘furniture’ including a leather clad lift core, soft padded leather rant, brasserie and food market. The different functions are
appearance. The existing lift shaft is clad in a back polished ing a criss-cross pattern of sandblasted panels is inserted in the purpose designed reception desk is a focus within the space. reception desk and 6m long bench. clearly defined by a strong linear plan and the light emanating
plaster skin that is referenced on each floor level lobby. ceiling. Lighting is linked to a roof mounted photo synthesiser, from the translucent glass tanks and deep incision cut into the
which responds to exterior conditions creating a sequence of completed 2002 completed 2003 ceiling. The ceiling can be adjusted to any colour allowing the
completed 2002 colours as day moves to night. ambience of the space to be changed to suit the tome, season,
mood and activity.
completed 2002
completed 2003

9. retail
Goodman’s Field, London E1 Harvey Nichols, Manchester Stratford Town Centre, London E15 Liberty Department Store, London W1
A major success of the masterplan is the extensive and com- Jet black granite flooring, purpose designed furniture and Part of a major mixed use Town centre scheme, the existing Refurbishment and extension of a grade II* listed building
pleteness of the active frontages to all building using retail, subtle lighting set the tone in the food market linking it back to shopping centre is extended and improved incorporating in the heart of London’s West End. A key element of the
workshop and commercial spaces the other elements of the scheme (restaurant and bar) through existing buildings and creating much needed public realm redevelopment is a new entrance and 5 story shop front facing
a strong linear plan and visual links improvements and extensions. Carnaby Street.
planning application 2008
completed 2003 outline design 2007 planning approval 2002

10. culture & sport
Rambert Dance Company HQ, London SE1 Expo. 01, Switzerland Jewish Community Centre, London NW3 Doon Street development, London SE1
Part of the Doon Street Development, the building is the new An exhibition complex of flexible space with in an inflatable A new community centre to cater for the London Jewish com- 86,000 sqft sports and leisure consisting:
head quarters of the Rambert Ballet Company and school. The exhibition tent moored on a lake and housing displays illustrat- munity. The scheme consists of a new 3 storey building and 25m x 8 lane swimming pool, gym, fitness studios, multipur-
buildings is designed as centre of dance, theatre and educa- ing the workings of the human body. public plaza. pose sports hall, health spa....
tion
winning competition entry 2009 planning approval 2009 planning approval 2009
competition 2004

11. education / healthcare
Great Dover Street, London SE1 Birkbeck College, London W1 London Southbank University London SE1
New build student accommodation block and associated A significant internal refurbishment, new M&E and an facade A new build primary care and student centre set within a set
commercial development repair, clean and remodelling. piece building incorporating the retained facade of a grade II
listed chapel. The uses, generally conflicting, are carefully sepa-
planning application 2009 completed 2004 rated physically, acoustically and visually albeit within a singular
building. The retained facades provide for a new entrance
atrium for the primacy care centre.
tendered 2006 (project on hold)