HWKN joins BIG in canada water dockside development in london

HWKN makes its UK debut at Canada Water Dockside

HWKN, the New York-based practice founded by German-born architect Matthias Hollwich, has been selected to design the new landmark building in the urban development planned for the commercial heart of London’s larger Canada Water area.

HWKN is working alongside BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, as well as Art-Invest Real Estate UK and the local community, to complete one of the three buildings of the scheme, which will actually mark its architectural debut in the UK. Together, the three structures will provide approximately 1.5 million sqft (139,355 sqm) of sustainability-certified workspace for up to 10,000 people, including affordable offices for small businesses, community spaces and other amenities.

Canada Water Dockside will mark HWKN’s debut in the UK | image courtesy of Canada Water Dockside

a new innovative workspace

In collaboration with the scheme’s master planner, the Bjarke Ingels Group, HWKN has designed an ‘office for the future’, that provides new workspaces and amenities for both tenants and the surrounding community. Also working closely with Art-Invest and the local community, the New York-based practice is focused on creating an environment that combines next-generation offices with a new, publicly accessible first floor where people can eat, drink, sit and relax. The firm’s design principles grew out of the post-pandemic changes in our workspace needs. The building draws on the unique environment of the area, and easy access to a mix of green spaces and water features, to create a space that meets the demands of our rebalanced relationship with work.

The 12-story-tall building, which will sit right next to the Canada Water Library by CZWG architects, features terraces that ascend its angled sides, each terrace overflowing with vegetation. ‘Our building suggests the atmosphere of a vacation resort while creating a place that fosters life choices along with focused productivity, corporate culture, and personal communication.’ says HWKN’s founder, Matthias Hollwich.

planted terraces ascend the sides of the building | image courtesy of Canada Water Dockside

‘Having worked with Matthias and his team previously we knew his visionary and innovative approach would be well suited to Canada Water Dockside, and we’re delighted to be bringing his architecture to the UK for the first time.’ shares Luka Vukotic, Development Director, Art-Invest Real Estate UK (find more here). ‘We know that new places thrive around architecture that is able to make them authentic, unique and, importantly valued by their communities. At Canada Water Dockside we are applying these principles to ensure the development will meaningfully integrate into the existing local context and transform the area for the benefit of all.’

‘We are thrilled to be part of the master development of Canada Water Dockside designing one of the most future-forward office buildings in London. We envision buildings that empower people to be more productive, healthier and happier, creating careers, families, and a better world. Our goal is to create more social, engaging, and truly satisfying
work environments that give everyone in them the opportunity to develop truly fulfilling lives.’ adds Matthias Hollwich.

HWKN is focused on combining the innovative workspaces with a new, publicly accessible first floor | image courtesy of Canada Water Dockside

‘our building suggests the atmosphere of a vacation resort’ shares HWKN’s founder, Matthias Hollwich | image courtesy of Canada Water Dockside

12 stories high, the building features terraces that ascend its angled sides | image courtesy of HWKN

the Canada Water Library by CZWG architects | image courtesy of CZWG architects

project info:

name: Canada Water Dockside
architects: HWKN
in collaboration with: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, Art-Invest Real Estate UK
location: Canada Water, London, UK