Bloomberg, London, United Kingdom

References

Bloomberg, London, United Kingdom

The European headquarters of Bloomberg in London, designed by Foster + Partners, sets a benchmark not only in office architecture, but also in making an open corporate culture spatially tangible.

Located in the heart of the City of London, Bloomberg – a global provider of financial data, technology and media – together with Foster + Partners set out to create more than just a workplace. The European headquarters, in close proximity to the Bank of England and St Paul’s Cathedral, translates this ambition into a building that spans an entire city block, introduces new connections and public spaces, and forms a distinct architectural composition that enables a wide range of spatial experiences.

The Pantry

The Pantry as a Place of Exchange

As a double-height lounge on the sixth floor, the pantry forms the social heart of the building and makes Bloomberg’s open corporate culture spatially tangible. Located above the office levels, it serves as a central meeting point within the building. Conceived as an open, shared landscape, it brings together employees from different departments and creates space for exchange and informal interaction.

Foster 620 Bench & Side Table in the pantry

Foster 620 Bench shaping the space

Within this expansive, double-height setting, the Foster 620 Bench, designed by Norman Foster, makes its first appearance as part of the project’s interior concept. Arranged in gently curving lines and upholstered in bold orange, its customized form responds to the geometry of the space, aligning with floor patterns and structural axes. Each segment is precisely positioned — not as a freestanding piece, but as part of the interior architecture. With integrated power outlets and solid wood side tables, the bench becomes a place to pause, connect or focus.

To Foster 620 Bench

Foster 620 Bench

Integrated connections in backrest of Foster 620 Bench

Foster 512 Bench in the lunch area

On the same level, an additional area opens up for lunch and informal meetings. Foster 512 benches structure the space and create distinct zones, while vertical planting introduces a sense of order. A glazed roof brings daylight deep into the space, creating a balanced and inviting natural atmosphere.

Sustainability as a built principle

The building has received numerous awards for its holistic approach to design, sustainability and workplace innovation. It has been awarded the highest BREEAM rating – “Outstanding”. BREEAM is one of the world’s leading certification systems for sustainable building. The ceiling, made from 2.5 million polished aluminium petals, reflects light, enhances acoustics and contributes to climate regulation. Together with the central ventilation ramp, durable materials and the access to public ciculation routes at ground level, sustainability is not explained here – it is built.
This holistic approach to performance and design earned the project the 2018 Stirling Prize, awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and praised as a “once-in-a-lifetime building”.

Bronze-clad, gently curving ramp in the central area of the building

Pantry with ceiling, made from polished aluminium petals