Senate House

Identification

Map

Structure in general

Usage

Facts

• The public areas and staircases exhibit the use of travertine.
• The massing of the building is broadly pyramidal which increases stability.
• Senate House was designed to last for 500 years.
• An independent steel frame is used in the tower and its floor construction to support the weight of the books held within.
• During World War II, Senate House was occupied by the government's Ministry of Information and provided the inspiration for the 'Ministry of Truth' in George Orwell's novel '1984'.
• The building is home to an office numbered 101; this was the basis for 'Room 101' from George Orwelll's novel '1984', where one's worst nightmares come true.
• On completion, Senate House was London's tallest secular building, second only to the Palace of Westminster.
• Senate House is Grade II* Listed.