Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands are delighted to be named overall winner of this year’s AJ Retrofit Awards for our renovation of the former Central Saint Martin’s building for Foyles bookstore. The scheme faced stiff competition, but judges recognised the practice for ‘demonstrating a transformative approach, which combined flexibility with great clarity of circulation, access and wayfinding.’

They were impressed with the focus on the future – freestanding bookshelves allowing adaptable displays, making use of new technologies, maximising floorspace and ceiling heights – while still retaining some of the iconic store’s original charm. The use of natural light and other environmental improvements were also praised.

AJ Editor, Rory Olcayto said “Yes, sustainability still means energy-conscious, long-life design, which Foyles embodies, but LDS’s victory also suggests sustainable design should reflect the impact that a well-considered retrofit project can have on its surroundings, too. Foyles, as you may know, has revived the fortunes of the famous street it sits on – a street once renowned for its bookshops, which over the past 10 years have closed – and points the way towards high street renewal across the UK.”

The Retrofit awards are dedicated to recognising achievements in design, engineering and construction. They set a benchmark for creative excellence across the commercial, public and private sectors, rewarding the best work and the brightest thinking. Winners of these prestigious awards are determined by a rigorous judging process by a panel of the industry’s elite who represent the gold standard in retrofit excellence.

Congratulations to all of the winners.