Senate House, Art Deco administrative building in Bloomsbury, London, England
Description
Senate House is an administrative building for the University of London in Bloomsbury, rising to nineteen floors and clad in Portland stone. Its rectangular tower ascends in stepped tiers, with upper floors narrowing to form a distinct silhouette against the sky.
History
Architect Charles Holden began construction in the early nineteen thirties as a center for university administration. During the war, the government used the building for information services and monitored the city from its roof.
Culture
The library extends across fourteen floors and holds collections covering nearly every academic field, with readers studying at long wooden tables. Many visitors recognize the building from films and television programs, as its exterior often serves as a backdrop for fictional institutions.
Practical
The entrance sits on Malet Street, a short walk from Russell Square. Visitors typically need access permission to enter the upper floors, while the forecourt remains open to the public.
Did you know?
The original plan called for a second, identical tower, but it was never built. Instead, the complex remained with just one central tower, giving the overall composition an asymmetrical quality.
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