One of the main reasons we are among the best architects London has is we keep an eye on trends. It is good to see what is currently popular and earning attention for projects. As a result we can expand what we are doing.
The winner of the 2019 RIBA Stirling Prize was recently revealed. The new Bloomberg headquarters in London was the successful recipient. The £1billion property is astonishing and deserves the plaudits. It has an incredible design and also would have been the most expensive corporate HQ in the world if not for Apple’s new glass ring in California.
A surprise
While the building is incredible and has plenty of wonderful features, including a third century Roman Temple and a stunning interior, it is quite a surprising winner. In the last few years the Stirling Prize has gone to cultural or public buildings. These properties tend to get more attention because of the social aspect.
One of the reasons the Bloomberg building was the winner is how sustainable it is. In fact it may be the most environmentally friendly HQ in the world. It has natural ventilation, makes great use of natural light, and uses many renewable materials. The quality of the architecture speaks for itself too. The project shows how successful a close relationship between client and architect can be.
Impressively this is the third time Foster + Partners has won the big prize. The first success was with the Imperial War Museum in 1998. This was followed by 30 St Mary, otherwise known as the Gherkin, in 2004.
Fitting in
Impressively the building fits well with its surroundings. The client specifically chose for it to be shorter than it could have been so that it didn’t overshadow neighbouring buildings. The facade is also more conscious of the area rather than the full-on futuristic look that Foster + Partners are famous for.
If you are planning a project and want help from some of the best architects London has, please give us a call. Coffey Architects is a passionate team and works hard to deliver all the help our clients need. We can explore ideas, look at feasibility and offer solutions if there are issues. From start to finish, rely on us to achieve the best for you.