City of London Police - NLA Digital Service Point
Status: Competition Finalist
Location: The City of London
Client: The City of London Police
Team: Engineer - Eckersley O’Callaghan
Lighting and Audio Visual - Max Fordham
Recycled Glass Experts - TU Delft - Re3 Glass
Fabricator - Millimetre
Quantity Surveyor - PT Projects
Supporters: British Land
Sir Robert McAlpine
Broadgate
Our Digital Service Point (DSP) project is a visionary response to the Climate Emergency, not just for the City of London Police but for the entire city. This gem-like structure is a testament to sustainable design, a gift to the city from the city itself.
Our client sought a structure that not only reduced embodied carbon but also embraced the circular economy. They wanted a space that would inspire, provoke thought, and stand the test of time. We designed a space that embodies the essence of sustainability while serving as a beacon for the City of London. ...
Inspired by an Aalto Vase catching the light, the Digital Service Point's form was crafted from the subtly changing boundaries that the City Police have kept safe from their foundation in 1832 to the present day, a nod to both its past and future. This design, born from the city itself, seamlessly connects with its surroundings.
The DSP's cast glass box, though seemingly solid, is a super-cooled equilibrium liquid, built to last over 500 years. It is a rare product that's 100% recyclable. It is also made from 100% reusable resources. The new structure would be made from the total renewal of another within the square mile, stemming from a unique partnership with British Land Plc which means that we have access to reuse materials from the redevelopment of their Broadgate Campus.
State-of-the-art communication techniques, including projection mapping and low-energy lighting, inform and engage passersby. With its sustainable design and thoughtful materials, the DSP is a bold step towards a greener, more resilient future for The City of London.
