Central Saint Giles WC2
The metamorphosis of a dilapidated and unfriendly former Ministry of Defence office into a lively and attractive place presented quite a challenge. Grappling with the need to provide affordable housing on a constrained site, and taking into account the future construction of Crossrail, we and architect Renzo Piano came up with a bold, high-density scheme to revive this dreary pocket in the West End. The development, which is Renzo Piano's first completed project in the United Kingdom, incorporates offices, housing, retail and public space. His design has made the large building permeable and inviting. The floating island of office space and apartments above a lively public piazza will become an exemplar for high-density, mixed-use developments in London. In addition, a unique corporate-community partnership between the development team and nearby St Josephs RC Primary School will help improve the school's premises and provide valuable ongoing support.
“Dead” Space Comes to Life
Combining a shared work area with public space and cafes will create a thriving informal meeting space.
The quiet, impersonal office lobby has become a thing of the past, with the introduction of an informal worklobby at Central St Giles. By introducing a shared workspace in the 6000 square foot ground floor lobby with comfortable sofas, a mezzanine level and cafés that are open to the public, Central Saint Giles’ main office entrance will be a thriving area that creates a “community” within the office. The lobby also complements the public piazza that provides a thoroughfare, as well as an outdoor space for people to meet and relax over a coffee.
A Bold Beauty
The use of brightly coloured glazed terracotta on the exterior will ensure the building becomes a London landmark.
Architect Renzo Piano revels in using materials in unusual ways and the exterior of Central St Giles is a great example. Using terracotta as a base and experimenting with different glazes, vibrant ceramic tiles in bright shades of red, yellow, orange and green have been developed. The colours are a nod to the lively sights and sounds of nearby Soho. The resilient material, which distorts slightly each time it is kiln-fired, holds an imperfect beauty that makes the large building appear less imposing.
Back on the Map
Improved pedestrian routes combined with restaurants and retail will draw people back into this forgotten corner of the city.
Pedestrians will be able to walk into and through Central St Giles from five entrance points on surrounding streets. With retail and restaurants drawing people in and creating a hum of activity, the development will be a hub linking Covent Garden, Soho and Bloomsbury. The area will be transformed as a place to live and work.
Opinions
“I like the interesting design. The fact that it’s controversial is good, because it will become an icon building.
“I think (the development partners) were excellent. They followed all the rules and I have nothing but praise for them.”
Leonard Gold, Chairman, Centrepoint Housing Residents Association
“We have always been in favour of the project because the Ministry of Defence building that was there before was a kind of fortress. It was austere and didn’t really contribute to the life of the community.
“The vision of Renzo Piano, with the piazza and walkways going through, in many ways takes it back, in a modern way, to what it was like in the Victorian era and before.
“We’re more than happy. When we have had a problem it’s been dealt with promptly and efficiently.”
Seyan Tills, Ministry Assistant, Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church
“I was very impressed with the consultation and I really liked the way that they went out of their way to provide us with leaflets and pictures.
“With the demolition they have gone out of their way to try and keep the disturbance to the community down as much as possible, so that’s great and I just hope that it lives up to expectations and raises the profile of the area.”
Jamie Taylor, Resident, St Giles
“The developers have made it clear they don’t want to just give money or equipment to us then walk away. They want to work with us in a longer- term, mutually beneficial and rewarding partnership to support us in achieving our vision for the school and leave a real legacy. Having such great ongoing support is a huge boost for us and we are extremely grateful.”
Helen Tyler, Headteacher, St Josephs RC Primary School
