foster + partners’ workspaces at battersea
CategoriesArchitecture

foster + partners’ workspaces at battersea

a workspace designed for adaptability

 

London‘s urban fabric continues to evolve with the recent unveiling of 50 Electric Boulevard’s interiors, designed by Foster + Partners for the Battersea Power Station development. This 18,580-square-meter workspace is curated with a philosophy centered on flexibility. 50 Electric Boulevard’s soft undulating form translates to adaptable floor plates, allowing tenants to configure their space to suit their specific needs. This future-proof design ensures the building can accommodate the ever-changing demands of the modern workplace of the UK.

50 Electric Boulevard batterseaFoster + Partners unveils its adaptable new workspace at Battersea Power Station | image © Hufton + Crow

 

 

foster + partners infuses the interiors with nature

 

Emphasis on natural light and ventilation is evident throughout Foster + Partners’ design for 50 Electric Boulevard at Battersea. Each floor boasts an open-air element — cantilevered terraces and openable windows — lending a connection with the external environment. Floor-to-ceiling windows and the aforementioned balconies contribute to a light-filled, breathable, and ultimately, healthy work environment. The architects‘ focus on employee well-being extends beyond just practical considerations. The glass-fronted entrance lobby on Electric Boulevard features touchdown workspaces alongside relaxed seating areas, creating an inviting and collaborative atmosphere. This theme continues with the communal pavilion above, offering a space bathed in natural light, complete with a coffee bar and bleacher seating ideal for larger gatherings.

50 Electric Boulevard battersea
the design complements the neighboring Battersea Roof Gardens | image © Hufton + Crow

 

 

50 electric boulevard: a dialogue with battersea legacy

 

50 Electric Boulevard’s interior spaces by Foster + Partners exude a sense of warmth with the use of natural materials and pops of color. Think wooden batten ceilings, copper accents, and splashes of red upholstery within communal areas. The integration of greenery throughout further enhances the focus on occupant well-being.

The design establishes a distinct conversation with its neighbor, the Battersea Roof Gardens. Both structures, creations of Foster + Partners, purposefully stand in contrast to the monumentality of the iconic Battersea Power Station. The Battersea Roof Gardens, a residential building, boasts a landscaped rooftop designed by James Corner Field Operations, featuring 23,000 plants and fifty-five trees.

50 Electric Boulevard battersea
the workspaces prioritize flexibility with open, reconfigurable floor plans | image © Taran Wilkhu 50 electric boulevard: foster + partners' flexible workspaces at battersea unveiled
the use of greenery throughout enhances the focus on employee well-being | image © Taran Wilkhu 50 electric boulevard: foster + partners' flexible workspaces at battersea unveiled
open-air terraces, skylights, and floor-to-ceiling windows create a link with nature | image © Taran Wilkhu

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KAAN architecten’s poort workspaces to rise from belgian woods
CategoriesArchitecture

KAAN architecten’s poort workspaces to rise from belgian woods

dutch design by KAAN Architecten to arrive in belgium

 

Dutch studio KAAN Architecten takes to the Flemish Valley near Ghent, Belgium, to design a sustainable new expansion for the De Prijkels business park, which is currently home to over sixty businesses. Developing an entrance for this collection of workspaces, KAAN Architecten has collaborated with developer Steenoven, contractor Alheembouw, DENC-studio, DELVA Landscape Architects, and artist Paul de Kort to design Poort van de Prijkels. Once built, the project will take shape an ensemble of three buildings located in Karrewegstraat, Deinze.

KAAN architecten poort prijkelsimages © Vivid Vision@3dvividvision

 

 

Integration with the Historical Landscape

 

Designing the master plan of the Poort project, the team at KAAN Architecten works with local architects DENC-STUDIO to carefully consider the historical significance of the surrounding landscape. The intention is to revive the Flemish Valley, depicted in old maps as a mosaic of agricultural fields and wooded lots. Central to the project is the captivating land art installation called Het Karrenspoor, created by Paul de Kort. This installation brings back to life the elliptical tracks of the historic cart road within a field, resembling the shape of wheat. The tracks are meticulously maintained through regular mowing, and a path runs through the field, bordered by latticed screens that provide dynamic views reminiscent of wheel spokes.

KAAN architecten poort prijkels

 

 

transparent Design with Sustainability in Mind

 

In contrast to conventional closed-box industrial buildings, the Poort ensemble stands out with its predominantly transparent design. The buildings boast floor-to-ceiling glass facades and wooden galleries along their perimeter, offering exceptional viewpoints to observe the ever-changing colors of the surrounding landscape throughout the seasons. Dark-stained oak cantilevers extend further on the sun-facing sides, serving as both terraces and structural sun protection.

 

Solar control glazing effectively manages heat gain and optimizes natural light, while slender columns and central circulation cores ensure unobstructed views on all floors and allow for future adaptability. The structure’s high thermal inertia contributes to temperature regulation. The ground floors feature spacious double-height halls that facilitate interaction among occupants through open sight-lines and interconnected spaces, serving as meeting areas and entry points.

KAAN architecten poort prijkels

 

 

kaan architecten aims to Enhance Employee Well-being

 

The new buildings have been thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of businesses within the estate, offering various office facilities and employee amenities such as child daycare, a bank, a fitness center, and other commercial services. Each building incorporates underground parking facilities on two levels, utilizing excavated earth to create adjacent slopes adorned with natural greenery, including diverse trees and shrubs that enhance the area’s landscape. This lush greenery not only promotes the well-being of employees but also acts as a natural carbon sink, absorbing nearly 16.5 tons of CO2 annually.

 

The project employs ground heat exchangers, utilizing soil as temporary energy storage. Additionally, the roofs are equipped with photovoltaic installations to generate renewable electricity and enable greywater recovery. Runoff is effectively managed through the integration of above-ground bio-retention systems known as wadis, contributing to ecological balance and efficient water usage.

KAAN architecten poort prijkels

 

 

Poort van de Prijkels not only transforms an ordinary intersection into a welcoming zone but also ensures continued access to the business estate. The project prioritizes the use of renewable resources, minimizes energy requirements, and employs rational management of surplus demands, resulting in a BREEAM Excellent score. With their height and functionality, the buildings create a distinctive entrance area while preserving the serene pastoral environment, complete with dedicated green paths for pedestrians and cyclists.



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