Lord Foster and Michael R. Bloomberg hosted the topping out ceremony of Bloomberg’s new European headquarters in the City of London today, located between the Bank of England and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The new building comprises two triangular volumes, bisected at ground level by an arcade and connected above by link bridges, reinstating Watling Street – an ancient Roman route that runs across the site. The height complements neighbouring structures and protects views of St Paul’s Cathedral, and the public spaces on the ground level include water as a homage to the Roman Walbrook River that once flowed through the site.
The cores have been moved to the perimeter of the building – facilitating the creation of the large-scale, open floor plates, which are especially suited to Bloomberg’s needs. The building targets a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with naturally shaded facades and natural ventilation throughout the interior spaces. It also features technologically advanced drainage and rainwater collection systems that enable net water usage to be zero.
Lord Foster, Chairman and Founder of Foster + Partners:
“This extraordinarily collaborative effort was made possible by Michael Bloomberg, who not only commissioned the building but has personally been involved at every step of the design. From the very first meeting he expressed his desire to make the building relate sympathetically to its neighbours in every way. This is reflected in a building which is much lower than its allowed height – is penetrated by a public arcade, most of the ground floor brings life to the civic domain, and is faced in traditional stone and bronze. Every design decision, from materials carefully chosen to age and mellow over time, to the revival of Watling Street – the ancient Roman route that cuts across the site – reflects the exacting standards and total commitment of everyone involved. The result is a building that is uniquely of its place and time, an exemplar of sustainable design, and a workplace that will attract the best and the brightest global talent to the City of London.”
Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder, Bloomberg L.P. and 108th Mayor of New York City:
"With this building we are creating a lasting legacy for Bloomberg and for the City of London. It's a building that our business needs and that our people deserve and will stand as a symbol of our past successes and our future ambitions. London is the second home for Bloomberg and a centre of our global network. We're committed to the city and to helping build a strong future here. This building will help keep us growing in London, and will help London keep growing as a thriving financial, technology and media hub."
Source: Foster + Partners
