Bloomberg’s new European headquarters, located in the heart of the City of London, features on this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist of six of the UK’s best buildings. One of the world’s most sustainable office buildings, its form, massing and materials are sensitive to its historic setting yet clearly of its own time, also making a positive contribution to the public realm.
Bloomberg comprises two buildings connected by link bridges over a dining arcade that bisects the site and returns a lost portion of Watling Street, an ancient Roman road, back to the City grid. The building is an exemplar of sustainability and is rated BREEAM Outstanding, with the highest design-stage score by any major office development globally. Its self-shading facades and natural ventilation throughout the deep-plan interior spaces contribute significantly to the energy efficiency of the building, which also incorporates innovative water conservation strategies, lighting and power systems.
The building’s interior is a highly specific response to Bloomberg – the global business information and technology company – and its 4,000 London-based employees, designed to inspire collaboration and communication in a dynamic, innovative environment.
Bloomberg joins eight of the practice’s other buildings that have been shortlisted previously, with the American Air Museum at Duxford and 30 St Mary Axe in London winning in 1998 and 2004 respectively.
This year’s RIBA Stirling Prize winner will be announced on Wednesday 10 October at the Roundhouse, London.