Tower 42
Tower 42
Tower 42, built in 1981, was the tallest building in London for ten years, until the completion of Canada Square in Canary Wharf. It is still the tallest building in the City of London and continues to have a symbolic presence. With the changing nature of banking requiring large trading floors, the tower was becoming obsolete and it was identified instead as a suitable location for the myriad of organisations that need a smaller but significant presence in the Square Mile.
Fletcher Priest identified that the requirements of these organisations are similar to those provided by an international hotel with shared meeting and conference spaces, concierge service, and high-quality bars, cafes and restaurants that could also add to the vibrancy of this part of the City. Lower level blocks each side of the base of the tower were reconfigured and extended to improve their efficiency and provided additional space equivalent to thirteen floors of the tower.
Fletcher Priest identified that the requirements of these organisations are similar to those provided by an international hotel with shared meeting and conference spaces, concierge service, and high-quality bars, cafes and restaurants that could also add to the vibrancy of this part of the City. Lower level blocks each side of the base of the tower were reconfigured and extended to improve their efficiency and provided additional space equivalent to thirteen floors of the tower.
The new entrance and reception included a ground floor café with access to a new restaurant operated by renowned chef Gary Rhodes on the 24th floor. Redundant space at the very top of the tower was transformed into a spectacular champagne and seafood bar called Vertigo 42, with unparalleled views over central London. To complete the transformation, Fletcher Priest designed and installed the new graphics and signage to re-launch the tower under its new name.
press:
The Economist January 2006; Estates Gazette November 2005; Evening Standard May 2005; Property Week April 2001; FX Design January 2001; Evening Standard January 2001; Building Design September 2000; The Facilities Business September 2000; FX Design July 2000; AIT June 2000; more » Estates Gazette May 2000; Roche Communications January 2000; The Guardian January 2000; Estates Gazette January 2000; FX Design January 2000; The Wharf December 1999; The Guardian December 1999; The High Life December 1999; Theme December 1999; Eat London December 1999; Time Out November 1999; Metro November 1999; Eating Design September 1999; Theme December 1998;
press:
The Economist January 2006; Estates Gazette November 2005; Evening Standard May 2005; Property Week April 2001; FX Design January 2001; Evening Standard January 2001; Building Design September 2000; The Facilities Business September 2000; FX Design July 2000; AIT June 2000; more » Estates Gazette May 2000; Roche Communications January 2000; The Guardian January 2000; Estates Gazette January 2000; FX Design January 2000; The Wharf December 1999; The Guardian December 1999; The High Life December 1999; Theme December 1999; Eat London December 1999; Time Out November 1999; Metro November 1999; Eating Design September 1999; Theme December 1998;