The Centre of Performance, Technology and Equity

Allan Joyce Architects designed the new Centre for Performance, Technology and Equity (PTEQ) for The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, creating a specialist facility that brings together performance, technology, research and collaboration.

The new centre expands the School's ability to support students, researchers and industry partners, providing flexible spaces that enable new approaches to performance education and help prepare graduates for the changing creative industries.

Supporting the Future of Performance

The building provides a range of specialist facilities including an immersive technology research studio, flexible multi-functional spaces, offices and a roof terrace.

These adaptable environments allow students and researchers to explore the relationship between performance and emerging technologies, encouraging collaboration, experimentation and innovation. The facility also creates opportunities for engagement with community and industry partners, strengthening the School's role as a centre for creative research and development.

A new fully accessible entrance improves inclusivity across the campus, ensuring the building is welcoming and accessible for all users.

A Contemporary Building Within a Historic Setting

Located within the Belsize Conservation Area, the design carefully balances a contemporary architectural identity with sensitivity to its surroundings.

The façade design draws inspiration from theatre curtains, reflecting the creative disciplines within while creating a distinctive addition to the campus. The building's form and materials respond to the character of the surrounding area, creating a modern facility that feels connected to its historic context.

Delivering Within a Complex Urban Environment

The project presented significant challenges due to its location within a busy central London setting. Limited site space, neighbouring buildings and the demands of maintaining an active urban environment required an innovative approach to construction.

Modern Methods of Construction were incorporated into the design, allowing key elements of the building to be manufactured off-site and efficiently assembled on site. Careful coordination of deliveries, access and temporary road closures enabled the project to be delivered successfully while minimising disruption to the surrounding area.

Our Role

Allan Joyce Architects worked closely with The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama to create a specialist education facility that supports innovation, accessibility and collaboration.

The project demonstrates our experience in delivering complex education buildings where ambitious learning environments must be balanced with challenging sites, technical requirements and the needs of future users.