MICA shortlisted for AJ100 Collaboration of the year Award

MICA are one of five teams to be shortlisted on this years AJ100 Collaboration of the year award. MICA have been recognised for our ongoing collaboration with pattern designers Eley Kishimoto, whom we have worked with since 2015 on various projects including the international bid for the Olympicopolis site and the recently completed White Lion House at Centre Point.

White Lion house holds 13 affordable housing units above retail that extends back into the new (not yet complete) St Giles square. The new tower completes the Centre Point complex, so ensuring the materials of the facade were complimentary to the existing concrete facades of Centre Point tower and Centre Point House. The solid concrete precast panels that adorn White Lion House are embossed with a chevron pattern developed through a collaboration with Eley Kishimoto, London based fashion and pattern designers, from a study of the existing Centre Point tower facade. A series of options for how the form could be integrated into the concrete were produced, including recessed or relief methods and different material types and finishes. Samples were produced to establish the effect of weathering and water tracking of various proposals, and after a relief pattern was decided upon, a full size mockup model was produced to test and establish the depth of the recess. The final design establishes a graphic quality of its own and sit distinctly, but respectfully on the site. The panels are 150mm thick solid precast concrete with insulation, supported from the reinforced concrete frame. The resultant addition makes a distinctive contemporary building, reflecting the adjoining proportions and architectural language of the Listed building, yet heroic and contemporary enough to stand alongside the existing building as a proud place to live. The collaboration was rewarding and successful, by utilising Eley Kishimoto's eye for pattern and effect and our ability to fundamentally embed the idea into the facade, we found a solution that is rich and impacting with a longevity to match Centre Point Tower.

This year’s judges are: Richard Waite, AJ news editor; Wolfgang Buttress, artist and founder of Wolfgang Buttress Studio; Sarah Gaventa, director at Illuminated River Foundation; Peter Morris, managing director at AHMM; and Rob Partridge, director at AKT II.

The winner will be announced at the annual AJ100 dinner on Wednesday 13 June at the Tower of London.