Completed in 2017 by Foster + Partners, Bloomberg’s European headquarters is located in the heart of the City of London. Skillfully blending modern design principles with a profound respect for the historical context, the building finds its place among celebrated neighbors such as the Bank of England, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the church of St. Stephen’s Walbrook. More than just a structure, it’s a resonant piece that harmonizes with its surroundings, weaving the contemporary aesthetic with timeless elegance, standing as a testament to architectural ingenuity.
Bloomberg’s Headquarters Technical Information
- Architects1-27: Foster + Partners
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Client: Bloomberg LP
- Area: 107,297 m2
- Building Height: 40 m
- Project Year: 2010 – 2017
- Photographs: © James Newton Photographs, © Nigel Young / Foster + Partners
The design of the building supports the values of Bloomberg as an organisation and the way it perates. The cores have been pushed to the edges of the building to visually open the floors and reveal a spiralling ramp, the heart of the building, bringing together the people who work in it. In a sense, it is all about community and collaboration – both within the building and the way it embraces its surroundings
– Michael Jones, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners
Bloomberg Headquarters Photographs
A Fusion of Tradition, Innovation, and Sustainability
The architecture echoes the site’s unique history while firmly establishing its presence in contemporary urban life. It not only stands as a natural extension of the City but also exemplifies sustainable development, achieving an Outstanding rating under the BREEAM certification – the highest design-stage score ever recorded for a major office development.
Occupying a 3.2-acre site, the complex encompasses two interconnected buildings that span over a pedestrian arcade, reviving the ancient Roman road, Watling Street. The Bloomberg Arcade, now a pivotal pathway adorned with cafes and restaurants, fosters a vibrant public realm.
Art and history are interwoven within the fabric of the building. Cristina Iglesias’ water sculpture, ‘Forgotten Streams,’ pays tribute to the ancient Walbrook River that once flowed through the site, while the archaeological remains of the Roman Temple of Mithras are returned to their original discovery place, accompanied by an interpretation center that brings history to life.
The building’s facade, marked by a structural sandstone frame, large-scale bronze fins, and floor-to-ceiling glazing, establishes a rhythmic harmony that changes according to orientation and solar exposure. These fins serve not only a visual purpose but also form part of the building’s natural ventilation system.
Upon arrival, the main entrance leads to the ‘Vortex,’ a breathtaking space shaped by three inclined, curving timber shells. Innovation permeates the building’s features, from high-speed fully-glazed lifts to a bespoke ceiling system that combines light reflection, cooling, and acoustic attenuation into an energy-saving integrated design.
The Social Heart and Workspace Collaboration
Central to Bloomberg’s ethos, the double-height ‘pantry’ on the sixth floor acts as the communal heart of the building. Encouraging chance encounters and informal discussions, it fosters a culture of sharing and collaboration.
The design continues to embrace teamwork with radial desks, organized into clusters and pods, promoting privacy and cooperative working. Adding to the aesthetic appeal, a distinctive bronze-clad hypotrochoid stepped ramp flows through the building, creating opportunities for impromptu conversations without obstructing the movement.
Bloomberg’s European headquarters by Foster + Partners presents a masterful amalgamation of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Seamlessly integrating elements of the past and the present, it showcases a deep understanding of place and time. Whether through its sustainable design, historical integrations, or innovative workspaces, the building makes an indelible mark on London’s urban landscape, enriching and enduring the public realm it occupies.
Bloomberg’s Headquarters Plans
Bloomberg’s Headquarters Image Gallery
About Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners is a British international studio for architecture and integrated design, founded by Lord Norman Foster in 1967. Headquartered in London, the firm has become a pioneering force in modern architecture, emphasizing sustainability, technological innovation, and collaborative design. Notable projects include The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) in London, The Millennium Bridge in London, Apple Park in Cupertino, and the Hong Kong International Airport. The practice, known for its innovative approach and ability to integrate buildings with their surroundings, works closely with engineers, designers, and specialists from various fields to create holistic designs. The firm’s commitment to social life and community enrichment through architecture has led to numerous awards, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize awarded to Norman Foster in 1999.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Design Team: Norman Foster, Michael Jones, Kate Murphy, Simona Bencini, Owe Schoof, Stefan Behling, Grant Brooker, David Nelson, Spencer de Grey
- Development Manager: Stanhope
- Development Advisors: BNP Paribas
- Construction Manager: Sir Robert McAlpine
- Structural Engineer: AKT II
- Services Engineer: Sweco
- Lift Consultant: Sweco
- Fire Engineer: Sweco
- Cost Consultant: AECOM
- Lighting Designer: Tillotson Design Associates
- Acoustic Consultant: Sandy Brown Associates
- Landscape Consultant: Charles Funke Associates
- Planning Consultant: DP9
- Art Consultant: Nancy Rosen Inc.
- Accessibility Consultant: David Bonnett Associates
- Catering Consultant: Coverpoint
- TV Set Design: Jack Morton
- Façade Consultants: FMDC, BMT Group, Optis
- Ornithologist: Dr Nigel Clark
- Natural Ventilation Consultants: Breathing Buildings, Wirth Research, Price Industries
- Wayfinding Consultants: Whybrow
- Signage Designer: Studio Fernando Guttierez
Security Consultant: QCIC
AV and IT Consultant: PTS
Temple of Mithras Designers: Local Projects, Matthew Schreiber Studio, Studio Joseph - Façade Access Consultant: Reef Associates
- Rights of Light Surveyor: Gordon Ingram Associates
- Traffic Consultant: JMP Consultants
- Archaeology: Museum of London
- Pedestrian Flow – Public Realm: Space Syntax
