KPF recently unveiled plans to transform the HSBC Tower in London's Canary Wharf into a "blueprint for a highly sustainable, mixed-use building of the future."
HSBC Tower London, officially known as 8 Canada Place, was designed by Foster+Partners and completed in 2002, with an all-steel structure and glass façade, a total of 45 floors, a height of 210 meters, a total floor area of 1.1 million square feet, and a cost of about 500 million pounds, which was once the second largest building in the United Kingdom.
At the heart of the design was the introduction of multiple protruding terraces that not only provide valuable space for employees to rest, but also add visual lightness and dynamism to the building through thoughtful structural designs, such as a setback terrace structure, that make the top floor appear to float above the floor below, supported by slender columns. These designs are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practicality and sustainability, giving the building a modern and functional feel.
In addition, the renovation plan includes the introduction of an outdoor basketball court and a pink outdoor spiral staircase. The outdoor basketball court is not only a sports space, but also a symbol of corporate culture and employee vitality; The pink spiral staircase is a distinctive symbol of the building, providing an innovative and flexible working environment for future tenants.
The project is expected to start construction in 2027, when HSBC's existing lease expires. The renovation plan adds a unique visual element to the building, reimagining the single-use office building as a blueprint for a highly sustainable mixed-use building of the future, providing mixed-use office space, retail facilities, residential areas and leisure facilities to meet a variety of needs.
图源：©Ian West/PA+©Kiasm+©Plomp+©Foster+Partners
The regeneration will not only blend modern design with sustainable development, but will also bring new urban landscapes and community spaces to the Canary Wharf area, which will serve as a model and icon for future urban development. Through careful structural design and innovative programming, the tower will stand out on London's skyline, highlighting its importance and influence in the development of urban architecture.