The project: London Development Agengy offices, Palestra, south London

WHY: LDA wants the new building to reflect its commitment to developing London’s economy and creating a sustainable city.

HOW: Visitors are introduced to the concept at the entrance by the pod, a ground-level entrance and conferencing suite. A river theme is reflected in the organic structure of the pod. The internal ‘wave wall’ leads visitors to the waiting area, while an information zone, linked by a ribbon of deep pink, creates an interactive space fronting the street. Bubble lights hang over breakout areas, where bespoke curved bench seating provides room for informal meetings.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

A combination of 63kWh of photovoltaic panels and 21kWp of 14 wind turbines will provide electricity for the office floors. The combined technologies will generate 3,397,000 kWh of renewable energy and reduce

CO2 emissions by 3,300 tonnes during its lifetime.

CHALLENGES: Achieving the sustainability initiatives which are instrumental to LDA’s mission.

HOW MUCH: £6m

CONTRACT: Design & build

WHEN: The project began in August 2005, started on site in March 2006 and was completed in October.

WHO: The client was the LDA, QS was Gardiner & Theobald and designer was Sheppard Robson’s interior design group, ID:SR.

DESIGNER’S VIEW: “Our designs amplify the qualities of the LDA and its branding. They respond to the playful nature of the Palestra building. Using light, colour, motif and form we have broken down the large rectilinear floor plates (88m in length) to create stimulating formal and informal areas” – Jo Walker, project design leader, ID:SR