bloomberg office building by foster + partners wins RIBA stirling prize 2018

‘bloomberg, london,’ designed by foster + partners, has won the 2018 RIBA stirling prize — the annual award that celebrates the UK’s best new architecture. the company’s new european headquarters — credited as the world’s most sustainable office — comprises two environmentally friendly buildings connected by a bridge. read more about the project in our previous article, and see the other shortlisted entries here.

the bronze fins on the building’s exterior can open to allow fresh air inside
image by james newton

‘after vigorous debate, the jury reached a unanimous decision – bloomberg’s new european HQ is a monumental achievement,’ says RIBA president ben derbyshire. ‘the creativity and tenacity of foster + partners and the patronage of bloomberg have not just raised the bar for office design and city planning, but smashed the ceiling. this building is a profound expression of confidence in british architecture – and perfectly illustrates why the UK is the profession’s global capital. this role and reputation must be maintained, despite the political uncertainty of brexit.’

the project has been credited as the world’s most sustainable office
image by nigel young

‘from our first discussions to the final details of the project, mike bloomberg and I had a ‘meeting of minds’ on every aspect of the project – its sustainable focus, commitment to innovation and drive to create the best workplace for bloomberg employees,’ explains norman foster, founder and executive chairman, foster + partners. ‘the RIBA stirling prize is a testament to the incredible collaborative spirit that has underpinned the entire project from start to finish.’

an installation by olafur eliasson crowns the ‘vortex,’ a dynamic foyer and gathering space
image by nigel young

‘when we embarked on this project, we wanted to create a cutting-edge design that would push the boundaries of what an office building could be, which meant setting new standards for openness and sustainability,’ adds michael r. bloomberg, founder of bloomberg. ‘at the same time, we wanted to honor london’s history and contribute to its vitality. we knew that if we could achieve both objectives, we’d have a building that would inspire everyone who set foot inside it. this prize indicates that – thanks to the brilliant norman foster – we succeeded. and we’re grateful to everyone who worked so hard to bring it to life.’

the scheme’s two buildings are connected by a bridge
image by nigel young

‘bloomberg is a once-in-a-generation project which has pushed the boundaries of research and innovation in architecture,’ says david adjaye, who chaired the RIBA jury. ‘the design brief called for a building which could rise-up to the challenge of this loaded site and an information-driven environment. the architect worked exhaustively and collaboratively to design a building which perfectly responds to bloomberg’s ambitions.’

see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here
image by nigel young