Super-client meets super-architect green
This monumental office is the grand result of Michael Bloomberg and Sir Norman Foster locking heads. Described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” building that has “not just raised the bar for office design and city planning but smashed the ceiling.”
📍Location
London, UK
🏢Building Details
Completed in 2017 after almost decade, for Bloomberg’s European HQ
1.1 million sq ft: full city block comprised of 2 buildings united by bridges
Capacity: 6,700
Winner of 20+ awards (including BREEAM, RIBA, Stirling, D&AD)
👷🏾♀️Contractor
✍️Architects & Engineers
Norman Foster, CEO @ Foster + Partners
🌱Sustainability
BREEAM Outstanding (99.1%): highest post-construction score ever achieved by any major office development
On-site power generation means they own waste heat: used to heat building in winter and drive cool air in summer
35% saving in energy consumption (500,000 LED lights) + 73% saving in water consumption (rainwater captured from roof, greywater recycled, vacuum toilets)
Integrated petal-design ceiling panels combine lighting, heating, cooling, and acoustic attenuation
Highly efficient natural ventilation system with smart airflow and “breathing gills” façade
🥦 Wellbeing
Double-height ‘pantry’ on 6th floor acts as heart of building, encouraging impromptu meetings and informal discussion
Teamwork and collaboration built into desk systems and floorplan: bespoke height-adjustable, radial desks for flexible use
Architectural statements and site-specific commissioned art weaved into fabric of building: inspiring creativity
Sensitive to surrounding environment, the building enters a dialogue with historic district rather than towering over it
🎈Bonus feature
The site is home to the remains of the 3rd century Roman Temple of Mithras. Bloomberg co-ordinated its archaeological restoration and has returned the temple to its epic glory for free public viewing – along with a stunning display of Roman artefacts discovered during excavation. Green pioneers + stewards of history = big bonus.
🔗 Check it out https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/bloomberg/
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