The 5Ws and our new MCL media hub
£13m invested in creative hub for Roehampton’s Media, Culture and Language students
When journalists are writing news stories, their job is to ask the 5Ws — who, when, why, what, where, and with the help of the deputy head of the Media Department Gauti Sigthorsson we answered these questions for you.
Who is it called after
The building is named after Sir David Bell, who has an important role as Chair of Council at Roehampton University. He is on the Nominations and Governance Committee and was also selected as Chief Executive of the Financial Times in 1993. He was appointed as an adviser for the Leveson Inquiry for the services in the culture, ethics and practices of the press.
When is it open
Opening in January 2020, the media hub is renovated and reconstructed by architects from Rivington Street Studio. The colour palette in the interior gives the building a more “industrial” character: white walls also can become like a “black canvas” for Roehampton students as they will be allowed to display their photographic work. The university spent more than 13 million for the project.
Why has it been built
The creative industry changes its standards really fast, and that is why the new building enables students to have the best experience. “The most exciting bits of the newsrooms is that they’re in a space with glass fronted walls. You will be able to work on production and use it as a seminar space as required,” says Sigthorsson. Most importantly, newsrooms are built in the similar way as the ones in the professional working environment, allowing students to have access to high quality equipment. Special exhibitions will be carried throughout the academic year, where students will have a chance to showcase their art and photography work.
What will it have in it
The 2000 metre-square four-floor building of the former library will be equipped with brand new facilities including digital learning and IT support services as well as television, photographic and sound studios and editing suites. One of the most exciting news for students is the brand new 90-seat cinema. They will be able to enjoy private screenings of different movies for free. “There is a room specifically for film students to work on rough cuts and show their footage to lecturers. We’re also aiming to have guest screenings: people coming with their work, have a Q&A and turn it into an event,” says Sigthorsson.
Where is it
It is located the opposite of Elm Grove accommodation and the new library in the heart of Southlands college. “We feel we have created some very interesting spaces by taking clues from the existing fabric and working this into something new. The combination of quality architecture and the latest facilities and equipment will make this an outstanding place to learn,” said one of the designers of the building Mark Strelley-Jones.
Here is the link to the website where you can see the new media centre:
