The UK's Foster + Partners has released its design for a building that will transform, yet again, London's skyline – this time just a few blocks away from the iconic 'Gherkin' commissioned by Swiss Re, also by Foster + Partners.
The new UK headquarters for insurance company Willis Faber & Dumas will be made of two separate buildings leading on to a public plaza on the east side of London's iconic Lloyd's building.
Foster + Partners say their design will surpass statutory carbon reduction targets, with the façade of the building helping promote energy efficiency.
A series of "overlapping" curved shells with a reflective mica finish has been arranged, with roof terraces looking out over the plaza.
The building's interior will allow for open-plan design and flexibility.
Founder and Chairman Norman Foster says the team worked with both Willis and British Land to design the UK headquarters following a lengthy design process.
"This building has come out of a very different design process, yet continues the practice's commitment to developing humane, flexible and dynamic work places that are both informed by, and woven into, the urban fabric."
By Penny Jones
