LIPA has embarked on an exciting venture to expand its curriculum and transform its learning facilities.

MMA is working with LIPA to create new spaces within the existing environment, master-planning the estate to allow for future proofing and to support the delivery of innovative new courses. We have delivered £1.2m of redevelopment so far, on a live site with a very tight time frame to create specialist teaching and performance spaces. A further £2m of complex redevelopment has recently commenced.

MMA treated LIPA’s historic estate like a living, breathing organism. All of the works were careful to consider the overall balance of the three main buildings, resulting in highly creative utilisation of space. Although each space is visually and structurally different, it is easy to identify the fluidity that underpins the relationship of the three.

The team’s ability to successfully utilise LIPA’s current space, alongside the creation of new structures, has allowed it to provide new facilities for film, TV, virtual reality, green screen work and motion capture. The team also developed a bespoke virtual learning and performance space, which will enable students to access, record and publish a wide variety of digital material.

“Maggie Mullan (and her associates) have been and are the most professional and agreeable architects we have worked with. Unfortunately we’ve had plenty of experience of the reverse. Maggie responds promptly, provides creative solutions and embraces change. She project manages to ensure that work comes in on time and on budget. And if there are budget changes, these are fully discussed to ensure there are no surprises.”