Located in the heart of London, Bloomberg’s new European headquarters is designed to complement the surrounding buildings and create a natural extension of the city. At ten stories high, the new HQ building protects views of nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral and is in harmony with the heights of the neighboring structures.
The design, created by Foster + Partners, comprises two buildings. Glazed bridges connect the separate buildings across a retail arcade that bisects the site. This reinstates a historic route that once connected Cannon Street with Watling Street.
The headquarters’ ten stories are divided into a two-story colonnaded base, six office floors, and two top levels set back above the cornice line. The façade combines sandstone with deep bronze blades to create an understated look to blend in with the materials used in surrounding buildings. The interior of the new HQ creates a flexible, amenity-laden space for staff.
Rendering courtesy Foster + Partners.
Three new public spaces will be created as part of the project. Additionally, the archaeological remains of the Roman Temple of Mithras will be restored to their original location on the site.
The headquarters is targeting BREEAM Excellent and LEED Platinum ratings through its use of natural ventilation, roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, and a combined cooling heat and power system. The headquarters is expected to be completed later this year.
Rendering courtesy Foster + Partners.
Related Stories
| Jan 8, 2014
Strengthened sprinkler rules could aid push for mid-rise wood structures in Canada
Strengthened sprinkler regulations proposed for the 2015 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) could help a movement to allow midrise wood structures.
| Jan 7, 2014
Concrete solutions: 9 innovations for a construction essential
BD+C editors offer a roundup of new products and case studies that represent the latest breakthroughs in concrete technology.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.
| Jan 2, 2014
Sacramento utility maintenance facility earns LEED Platinum, targets net zero
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s new maintenance facility, which is targeting net zero, has received LEED Platinum certification.
| Dec 31, 2013
BD+C's top 10 stories of 2013
The world's tallest twisting tower and the rise of augmented reality technology in construction were among the 10 most popular articles posted on Building Design+Construction's website, BDCnetwork.com.
| Dec 23, 2013
First Look: KPF's dual-tower design for Ziraat Bank in Istanbul
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) is designing a new headquarters for Turkey’s largest and oldest financial institution, Ziraat Bank, in a modern, suburban district of Istanbul.
| Dec 20, 2013
Can energy hogs still be considered efficient buildings? Yes, say engineers at Buro Happold
A new tool from the engineering firm Buro Happold takes into account both energy and economic performance of buildings for a true measure of efficiency.
| Dec 16, 2013
Major renovation for historic Northwestern Building in Minneapolis
Minneapolis’s Northwestern Building, originally built in 1914 as a glass factory, is undergoing a major renovation. The 85,000-sf, four-story building is now serves as office space for multiple tenants in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.