Land Securities gets planning permission for Hadid's design for Architecture Foundation, scheduled to open in 2008

Land Securities has today been granted planning permission for the Architecture Foundation’s architecture centre, designed by Zaha Hadid.

Detailed plans approved by Southwark council outline the design for the building, which is situated on the Bankside 123 development on Southwark Street, SE1.

Scheduled to open in autumn 2008, the diamond-like design, clad in polished stainless steel, has evolved since Hadid won the international design competition run by Land Securities in January 2005.

The Architecture Foundation will be organised over four levels united by a vertical glass-walled space that makes a powerful connection with the public realm outside. It will provide exhibition space on the ground, mezzanine and first floors, an events space on the first floor, and offices and a boardroom on the top floor. There is also provision for a cafe/bar on the ground floor.

The new home for British architecture will double as the charity’s headquarters and a purpose built public venue for exhibitions and events on architecture.

Zaha Hadid said: “I am absolutely delighted that the designs for the new Architecture Foundation headquarters have secured planning permission. The centre will be my first public building in London and is therefore an especially important project for my practice.”

Mike Hussey, managing director of the London portfolio Land Securities, said: "Zaha Hadid is one of the world’s leading architects and we are delighted with the way in which the building responds to the needs of the AF and its wider appeal to the community."