Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Workplace

A modern home for a global medical community — designed to foster connection, wellbeing and knowledge sharing.

Project Details

Southwark, London

Location
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Client
56,000 sq ft NIA

Area
£20 million

Value
2022

Completion

Carbon Data

Upfront Carbon

<275 kgCO₂e/m²

At 10–18 Union Street in Southwark, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ new headquarters unites two existing buildings — a converted 19th-century hop warehouse and a 1980s office — around a light-filled central atrium. The building supports over 200 staff and provides flexible workspaces, conference facilities and a public café.

A sweeping helical stair links all floors, joining the two structures and creating a sculptural focal point. At its base, a new reception and events space sits within the glazed atrium, which floods the interior with daylight and opens the College to the public realm.

The design approach prioritised reuse and light-touch adaptation: much of the original structure and fabric were retained while creating a fresh, contemporary working environment. A bespoke perforated feature wall, forming the College’s crest, serves both acoustic and symbolic functions – visible from every level and illuminated throughout the day.

RCOG’s new home exemplifies how careful adaptation can deliver modern performance within historic fabric, supporting wellbeing and collaboration in a setting that reflects the College’s mission.