Over 2,000 guests gathered in the Main Quad for UCL Illuminated, an immersive light and sound performance that brought the Wilkins Building to life and celebrated two centuries of radical thinking, inclusion and global impact. The evening launched a year of Bicentennial activity as UCL enters its third century.

For Burwell Architects, it was a particularly proud moment. Representing the practice on the evening were Principal Director Nicholas Burwell, Director Simon Parkes and Chinmay Potbhare.

As part of the UCL200 programme, we were entrusted with reimagining the historic Main Quad and reconnecting the Grade I Listed Wilkins’ Cloisters.

The project enhances accessibility, improves circulation and creates flexible spaces capable of supporting both everyday campus life and major civic moments such as this.

Founded in 1826 on principles of openness and academic excellence, UCL has always been forward-looking. We are honoured to have contributed to the evolution of its historic heart and to see these spaces animated by the university community on such a significant evening.

Congratulations to UCL on 200 remarkable years, and here’s to the next century.

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