Bloomberg European Headquarters: Intentionality Inside and Out

Bloomberg European Headquarters

“When we embarked on this project, we wanted to create a cutting-edge design that would push the boundaries of what an office building could be, which meant setting new standards for openness and sustainability. At the same time, we wanted to honor London’s history and contribute to its vitality. We knew that if we could achieve both objectives, we’d have a building that would inspire everyone who set food inside it.”

 -Micahel R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg LP

An Inspirational Development  This Bloomberg European Headquarters has “not just raised the bar for office design and city planning, but smashed the ceiling.” This is what Ben Derbyshire, former president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), stated when awarding the headquarters with the 2018 RIBA Stirling Prize for its excellence in architecture.

The Bloomberg European Headquarters is located in the heart of London. It is an ideal example of sustainable development that brings intentionality into every inch of its structure. By combining innovation and energy conservation, social spaces, public spaces, and archaeological sites all into one place, it fosters collaboration and inspiration for the city and its inhabitants. 

Sustainable Features  The headquarters is built with many energy-conserving elements.   The ceiling consists of polished aluminum panels of ‘petals’ that combine into an energy-saving integrated system that combines heating, cooling, lighting, and acoustic functions. The building’s facade incorporates large-scale bronze fins contributing to a natural ventilation system. Additionally, rainwater collected from the roof is treated and recycled for use within the building. These are just a few elements that contribute to 73% savings in water consumption and 35% savings in energy consumption compared to typical office buildings

My Visit  When I visited the Bloomberg Headquarters in London, the goals Bloomberg and architects Foster + Partners had for this project proved truly successful. The sustainable features of the headquarters were prominent even from the exterior.  

The headquarters welcomes the public and contributes to cultivating a sense of community within the city. The project has opened up new sites for the public to relax and take in the city's beauty. The Bloomberg Arcade is designed as a pedestrian walkway with ten independent restaurants. Eight major contemporary art commissions are also placed in and around the building. Moreover, the building provides a new exit for the underground tube system. 

I examined suited businessmen and the general public walking and exploring the space, employees standing by the entrance to catch up with their peers, and individuals appreciating Cristina Iglesias’ artwork “Forgotten Streams.” 

The headquarters has been built sympathetically in regard to its surrounding context. The site is located in the home of the ancient Temple Of Mithras. The London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE returns the archeological remains to its original site of discovery—bringing the site's history to life through an immersive experience for visitors. The Bloomberg European Headquarters exemplifies respect for the past while simultaneously incorporating sustainable and innovative practices essential to our future.