Bloomberg’s pioneering new European HQ has been credited as the world’s most sustainable office by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The Queen Victoria Street office, designed by Foster + Partners, scooped the 2018 RIBA Stirling Prize after bowling over a panel of judges – beating out the extension of the Tate St Ives gallery among four other shortlisted nominees.
The Stirling Prize is judged against a range of criteria including design vision, innovation and originality; capacity to stimulate, engage and delight occupants and visitors; accessibility and sustainability; and how fit the building is for its purpose and the level of client satisfaction.
.@Bloomberg’s European HQ was designed to push the boundaries of what an office building could be – setting new standards for openness & sustainability. It’s an honor to receive the @RIBA Stirling Prize & we’re grateful to all – especially @FosterPartners. https://t.co/sMhWPRNXu9 pic.twitter.com/zbo62CHLWR
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) October 10, 2018
The £1.3bn complex – an exemplar of sustainable development with a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating – opened last year and has already been named London’s best new office building at the New London Architecture Awards.
CEO Mike Bloomberg said: “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 honour 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 foot inside it. This prize indicates that – thanks to the brilliant Norman Foster – we succeeded. And we’re grateful to everyone who worked so hard to bring it to life.”
Michael Jones, senior partner and lead architect at Foster + Partners, said the building is testament to what is possible when “the visions of client and architect align”.
“We were continually supported and inspired by Mike Bloomberg and his team, who shared our values on innovation, sustainability and wellbeing to develop a pioneering new workplace for the future.
“We are delighted that Bloomberg has been awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize, as recognition of not only this special partnership, but also the immense collaboration by the entire team that underpinned and delivered the project.”
