Notre Dame Refugee Centre

The challenge

The project came with several notable challenges. The centre operates as a sensitive environment, providing essential support services, so it was crucial to carry out the survey discreetly and with minimal disruption.

Its location in one of London’s busiest public spaces added logistical constraints, while the building itself was complex, featuring multiple floor level changes, angled walls, and non-standard geometries that required careful measurement and accurate representation.

The solution

To deliver the required level of detail within these constraints, we coordinated closely with the centre’s staff to plan survey times that respected their operations and the needs of service users.

Internally, we used high-precision laser scanning to efficiently capture the intricacies of the building layout, including changes in level and irregular wall alignments, ensuring a complete and accurate dataset.

Externally, we managed the challenges of Leicester Square’s high footfall by establishing controlled scanning positions and using targeted measurement techniques to capture the building elevations safely and without obstructing public flow.

The outcome

The completed survey provided the client with a clear and reliable set of drawings that captured the full complexity of the building, from its irregular internal forms to its prominent street-facing elevations. By working sensitively within the centre and navigating the challenges of its busy surroundings, we were able to deliver accurate information without interrupting day-to-day operations.

The resulting plans and elevations now give the organisation a solid base for planning improvements to the facility, helping them make informed decisions that support both staff and the communities they serve.