FUTURE Designs, the international manufacturer of luminaires and bespoke lighting solutions, has completed the office lighting for 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest tower in the City of London, standing at 278 metres high. The project is developed and managed by AXA IM – Real Assets on behalf of an international consortium of investors, with Lipton Rogers Developments retained as developer.

FUTURE Designs has provided the 1.4 million sq ft (130,000 sqm) development, set to be Europe’s first vertical village, with GLOS, a contemporary and minimalist luminaire that results in a perfectly illuminated environment. This linear recessed luminaire was developed in conjunction with WSP and 22 Bishopsgate’s architects PLP, Brookfield and T.Clarke PLC.

Wellness and its subsequent impact on productivity of workers is a high priority for the design of this office building, as exemplified by 22 Bishopsgate having London’s largest cycle park and a state-of-the-art gym, complete with a climbing window, 125 metres above the ground on level 25, as well as a wellbeing retreat on level 41. It is also the first building in the UK to apply for the Delos WELL Building Standard.

GLOS is highly efficient with a lumen per watt value of 157, whilst the careful design ensures the fixtures could be installed in a simple manner reducing install time.

The air handling testing was carried out by BSRIA, an independent research consultancy that provides specialist services in construction and building services. The test confirmed an air handling requirement of 45 litres per second through air slot apertures designed for the maximum pressure drop of 5Pa.

This people-focused building is a complex, 22 sided, faceted glass structure. The design is built and managed to satisfy the changing nature of the City of London in terms of the type, size and priorities of companies based there, including demands for high standards of technology and sustainability. According to the statistics from the City of London Corporation*, while just over a third of businesses were financial services, tech was the fastest growing major sector in the City with jobs growth of 16% , the quality of workspace needed to reflect that in order to attract a more diverse range of tenants.  Emphasis has been placed on constructing a building with flexible floorplates, high ceilings and exemplary lighting that compliments the natural light flow, which is enabled with three metres high, triple glazed windows.

The creation of approximately 100,000 sqft of social spaces and services throughout the floors was a key part of the design. There is a 22,000 sqft area of food and dining space on level 2, a members’ club on level 57 and London’s highest public viewing gallery on level 58.

Recognising the fact that 99% of City businesses are SMEs, there is an innovation hub for small businesses and start ups on level seven. Levels three and four, meanwhile, will house a new 51,000 sqft events and meeting venue available for use by the hour or day.

As well as providing a place for 12,000 people to work, creating a diverse business community, 22 Bishopsgate also provides a range of retail, bar and restaurant units.