Bloomberg

The head office of the Bloomberg Media Group in London, designed by Foster + Partners, is a pioneering building complex known for its sustainability and innovative features.

Close to the Bank of England and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the two, ten-storey office buildings are connected with glazed bridges, glass roofs and arcades. Unique forms and materials were chosen to promote collaboration among the Bloomberg workforce, brought together under one roof for the first time.

Brand: Gartner

Architect: Foster + Partners

Contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine

Site management: Sir Robert McAlpine

Client: Walbrook Square Limited

The project

The concept

Façades with curved, insulating glazing and polished brass sheet metal harmonise perfectly with the surrounding historic buildings. Large vertical wings with brass sheet metal surfaces create structure and shade the office space. The buildings are accessible via three glass panoramic lifts and a steel ramp with wide steps. Open areas and transparent sections are designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and communication.

What did we do?

We designed, engineered, manufactured and installed 21,000 sqm of glass and metal curtain wall, plus curved steel and glass façade for the ground floor, arcade façade, glass roof, a stepped ramp clad in bronze, panoramic glass lifts, and sliding doors. The façade and lifts were designed to be blast resistant. The ground floor is clad in curved steel mullion-transom façade, with brass sheet metal and curved insulating glass panels. The arcades, glass façades and glass roof comprise printed insulating glass and sheet metal cladding, with reflecting stainless steel sheet metal.

Foster & Partners

James Newton

Key facts

Year completed

2017

Façade materials

Glass, steel, stone, brass, bronze

Total façade supplied

21,000 sqm glass and metal curtain wall; 3,820 sqm curved steel and glass façade; 1,500 sqm for the ground floor, arcade, glass floor and roof; stepped ramp; panoramic glass lifts; sliding doors