In an effort to transform the Finsbury Square landmark building, the 'Alphabeta' Creative Workspace by Studio RHE is set to become the new center for London’s most progressive and challenging companies.The development, set over nine storeys, will provide a dynamic shared atrium space, communal roof-terrace, ‘ride-in’ cycle ramp direct from Worship Street. The building’s original period features are to be restored and celebrated but the fabric and services are to be fully updated throughout with exposed wall finishes and ducting to ensure high ceiling levels. More images and architects' description after the break.
In the summer of 2011 Studio RHE (long term Shoreditch residents) were asked whether the 250,000ft² empty broken City behemoth that is Triton Court, which was renamed Alphabeta, could become part of the new world that sits so tantalisingly close. No, not with the 1980s marble‐lined, wide‐shouldered power dressed atrium that it has worn for the last 30 years... But if re‐imagined maybe it could become part of a new scene and even keep its toes in the formal City, becoming a favourable staging post for those industries that straddle the boundaries – media, technology and telecoms.
Finsbury Square is located between Shoreditch ‘Tech City’ and the ‘City’, London’s financial district. The internal route from Finsbury Square will be enlarged to create a striking purple glass hall that emphasizes arrival into the glazed atrium. Clad in charred timber, mild steel and a series of projecting glass planes that distort the conventions of office glazing, the atrium walls provide an innovative pixelated relief across the eight-storey height.
This rhythm is accentuated by a series of cantilevered glazed meeting rooms that project into the atrium at various levels, creating an exciting vertical section towards the vast glazed roof light.A new entrance will be created on Worship Street, which includes a dramatic ramp that allows cyclists to enter the building without dismounting, leading them to changing rooms and cycle storage at basement level.
This feature can also be seen from the atrium, adding fast movement to the rich visual mix. Unlike most office basements, this level also includes an events space, gym and squash court. New office space at high level opens onto roof terraces that offer impressive views over the City. Terraces are to be decked, furnished and planted to provide tenants with unrivaled external spaces.
With the new design has come a new name and rebranding of the building; ‘Alphabeta’ represents the next phase in this unique building’s life, and a physical representation of the fast‐shifting landscape that surrounds the bronze Mercury – the wing‐heeled messenger to the Gods who graciously flies from the top of the tower.
