The footprint of the BBC G office and retail building is L-shaped. It complements and closes the block respecting the specified street line and defining the corner of both streets. The street block is a three-storey volume with two more stories stepping back to the courtyard copying the character of the neighbouring buildings rising towards the motorway. The town-forming block has clearly distinguished public and private spaces – services on the ground floor and the offices on the upper floors. For the building steps inside on the streetscape level, the public area is covered by a gallery. There is a parking garage in the basement. There are new trees planted in the streets and the original poor green inside the block is complemented by a quiet courtyard with grown-up trees. The building is considerate to the neighbourhood adding new qualities; yet it will add value to the investment and will provide a comfortable environment for all its occupants. Belt windows alternate with spandrel panels on the façade. Street facades are more distinct and decorative than those facing the courtyard. Timber terraces and plant containers with grown-up trees and shrubs on the flat roof introduce a natural element to offices and affect the overall appearance of the building. The added building between the existing buildings closing the existing block established a quiet closed space – an internal courtyard with a garden for the employees and visitors allowing them to relax and hold private and informal meetings.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Second place in cathegory “New office building” in Best of Realty 2014.