Completed

The Channel 4 headquarters building occupies a prominent corner plot near Victoria Station, and comprises c.15,000 square metres of headquarters, broadcasting suites and a studio, an underground car park and a landscaped garden square. The building, clad in pewter-coated powder-grey aluminium and glass, occupies the northern and western sides of the site.

The two four-storey wings contain office space accommodating up to 600 staff and are arranged in an L-shape, addressing the corner of the street with a curved connecting space framed by two 'satellite towers'. To the left are four conference rooms stacked one on top of the other, and to the right lifts, boiler flues, and chiller plant, topped by transmission antennae. The entrance, through a dramatic concave suspended glazed wall, is the predominant feature of the scheme. A stepped ramp leads from the street over a glass bridge spanning the roof-light of the foyer/cinema complex below. Beyond the reception area a restaurant fills the curve with views over the garden. A sweeping roof-top terrace extends from the top-level board room.

The clients were looking for a scheme which expressed the character of their operations - innovative, socially aware and willing to take risks. As a result, the building expresses the perceived identity of the organisation while reflecting civic and contextual values which are central to the practice's urban architecture.

Key points

Public Realm

The building is set back from the corner of the site to create a public open space leading to the entrance of the building. The open space provides both a respite from the busy road and a significant setting for the entrance. Both the public and neighbouring residents have access to the central garden which is also used by Channel 4 staff for open air parties and events.

Legibility

The entrance to the building is clearly defined by a conclave glass wall. The curved ramp leads from the public open space directly to the entrance. The glass wall is flanked on one side by the stack of meeting room, and on the other by the wall climber lifts that provide the main vertical circulation for the building.

Team

RRP worked closely with the client throughout the design period.

Key points

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