On Monday 18th July, our Year 12 3D Design students were invited to visit Bloomberg’s European Headquarters based in Bank. The £1.3 billion building designed by Norman Foster of Foster + Partners scored a 98.5 percent BREEAM sustainability rating and was named the winner of the 2018 Stirling prize for being one of the most environmentally friendly office buildings.
They explored the innovations in sustainability implemented in the building’s design, beginning their journey in the lobby of the building known as “The Vortex”. The timber walls chosen for its warmth and excellent acoustic properties are comprised of 6000 unique, micro-perforated panels assembled in a balanced sequence of three inclined, curving shells.
The unique petal-design ceiling panels save energy by improving the efficiency of heating, cooling and lighting functions, as well as improving acoustics and airflow. The use of LED lights facilitates results in 40% less energy being used than a typical fluorescent office lighting system.
The green “living wall” houses over 3000 plants and is in a space that overlooks St. Paul’s Cathedral and is flooded with natural light from the atrium above — making it a perfect space for both colleagues and clients to meet.
