Bloomberg European Headquarters

London

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Architect:  Foster and Partners

Client: Stanhope PLC and Bloomberg

Developer: Stanhope PLC

Project completion: 2018

 

Bloomberg accommodates about 5,000 people, and according to BRE, it was, when built, the world’s most sustainable building with the highest BREAMM rating in Europe.  The Stirling prize winner sits above the former Temple of Mithras and introduces a new step-free entrance to Bank Station.  Accessibility was a core element of the client brief.

 

The site contains three new public plazas, two featuring specially commissioned works of art, a retail arcade that reinstates an ancient Roman travel route and an anticipated cultural hub that restored the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras to the site of its recovery. As a result of DBAs involvement, from inception to sign off, this building has a fully inclusive environment that extends to the Temple of Mithras as well as the surrounding public realm where innovative measures are incorporated to ensure a safe and inclusive space for all.

 

The interior enables everyone to enjoy equal facilities - accessible toilets are finished to a very high standard with innovative features (such concealed drop down grab rails). The use of advanced technology is employed to enable independent access within the building and the opportunity for people with sensory impairments to communicate in meeting and conference rooms as well as in the auditorium and TV Studios. A prominent feature is the great bronze ramped staircase that unifies the spaces across six floor levels.  Although not wheelchair accessible it provides an inclusive and comfortable means for passing from floor to floor without using one of the many passenger lifts that are close by.

Just as this building has pushed the boundaries for sustainability and innovative design, it has also demonstrated how inclusive design can be integrated seamlessly into high-end, technically advanced offices while complementing aesthetics and functionality.

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