The new visitors' building at the British Council in Lagos completes the reorganisation of the Council’s compound, and provides its public face. Meeting the potentially contradictory needs of openness and security, the building is set behind a semi-formal garden, with a street-front gatehouse controlling the landscaped route to the entrance colonnade.
The double-height foyer opens onto this garden, from which all of the Council’s public functions are visible. The main frontage is defined by a timber screen which gives a sense of transparency while creating shade, enclosure and a strong backdrop to the garden.
