Standing in the heart of the British capital, opposite the famous Tower of London, the new GLA Headquarters affords the South bank of the Thames a new landmark. Designed by Lord Foster the 10-storey structure employs a bespoke and unconventional façade system, by Seele, to make a distinctive architectural statement.  

Lord Foster consciously chose a dome-shaped structure in order to achieve an energy-saving minimum of surface and a flexible distribution of space. The manufacture of the 2000 m2, extremely complex façade - comprising square and honeycomb glass elements and 3-dimensionally curved steel pipes - proved to be a great challenge for Seele. Six months of intensive planning and development were required in order to fulfil Lord Foster’s brief in respect of aesthetics, functionality, sustainability and last, but not least, symbolism.

Architect: Foster & Partners, London