New life for Bankside Yards: blurring lines between work and urban life, Arbor by PLP Architecture
05/07/2023.
[LON] UK
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
metalocus, ADELA BONAS
The London architecture studio PLP Architecture has completed a new building in the heart of the English city.
The revitalized area south of the Thames has its cornerstone at Bankside Yards. The intervention zone is located around 14 historic railway arches occupying an area of about 12,000 square meters (3 acres) of public space with a program that has been expanding in recent years of new shops, restaurants, and culture. The consolidation of the area allows us to connect again, after 150 years, the neighborhoods of South Bank and Bankside of London.
The new building does not limit its use to offices and has been thought of as a post-COVID space, where personal relationships are an important factor in work spaces. Arbor, the name given to the project, is designed to be surrounded by eight future public spaces, which will make it possible to create a life in the neighborhood with culture, leisure, and tourism, guaranteeing a full lifestyle.
The revitalized area south of the Thames has its cornerstone at Bankside Yards. The intervention zone is located around 14 historic railway arches occupying an area of about 12,000 square meters (3 acres) of public space with a program that has been expanding in recent years of new shops, restaurants, and culture. The consolidation of the area allows us to connect again, after 150 years, the neighborhoods of South Bank and Bankside of London.
The new building does not limit its use to offices and has been thought of as a post-COVID space, where personal relationships are an important factor in work spaces. Arbor, the name given to the project, is designed to be surrounded by eight future public spaces, which will make it possible to create a life in the neighborhood with culture, leisure, and tourism, guaranteeing a full lifestyle.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Ground floor plan. Arbor by PLP Architecture.
First floor plan. Arbor by PLP Architecture.
Second floor plan. Arbor by PLP Architecture.
Third floor plan. Arbor by PLP Architecture.
Typical floor plan with terrace. Arbor by PLP Architecture.
Typical floor plan without terrace. Arbor by PLP Architecture.
Level 19 workspace terrace. Arbor by PLP Architecture.
End-of-trip facilities. Arbor by PLP Architecture.
PLP Architecture designed a building that frees up the entire ground floor to value the remains of a former construction, some arches that supported the historic elevated railway that crossed the area, now some shared landscaped atriums that serve as a connection between the offices and the surrounding neighborhood.
Inside, escalators lead to a terraced interior landscape that can be both a work and social space, mirrored at the top of the building in a 6m inverted triangular atrium and a large landscaped garden terrace with stunning views of the entire city. city.
Its high ceilings, and glazing, make it possible for the building to bathe its interior with natural light. In addition, it has terraces on every two floors with its own microclimates. Lastly, Arbor is the first mixed-use building in the UK to eliminate the use of fossil fuels.
The building and the Bankside Yards project place a strong emphasis on sustainability: Arbor runs on 100% renewable energy and net zero carbon emissions from day one, and the masterplan is the UK's first major fossil fuel-free mixed-use development powered by a fifth generation power grid.
Inside, escalators lead to a terraced interior landscape that can be both a work and social space, mirrored at the top of the building in a 6m inverted triangular atrium and a large landscaped garden terrace with stunning views of the entire city. city.
Its high ceilings, and glazing, make it possible for the building to bathe its interior with natural light. In addition, it has terraces on every two floors with its own microclimates. Lastly, Arbor is the first mixed-use building in the UK to eliminate the use of fossil fuels.
The building and the Bankside Yards project place a strong emphasis on sustainability: Arbor runs on 100% renewable energy and net zero carbon emissions from day one, and the masterplan is the UK's first major fossil fuel-free mixed-use development powered by a fifth generation power grid.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Description of project by PLP Architecture
Arbor is more than just an office building. It's a hub for interaction, creativity, and inspiration in the heart of the city. In the post-COVID era, offices are no longer just about providing a place to work, but rather fostering meaningful and productive interactions between people. This makes Arbor's location in the hypermixed Bankside Yards masterplan all the more significant, as it plays a vital role in shaping a 24-hour neighbourhood that blends work and city life, culture and technology, nature and art.
Arbor, a development by Native Land and joint venture partners Temasek, Amcorp Properties Berhad and Hotel Properties Limited of Singapore, is a one-of-a-kind workplace in what will become a vibrant neighbourhood. When the master plan completes, Arbor will be surrounded by eight public spaces, three distinct cultural areas, 14 arches that house wellness and leisure offerings, a 5-star hotel, and will link into London's cultural network along the Thames’ South Bank. The hypermixed environment of Bankside Yards ensures that different uses and activities complement each other and provide a rich, nourishing lifestyle.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
From street level to the rooftop, Arbor's spaces encourage interaction and offer an urban feel. The building's "urban room" at street level and shared landscaped atria create a bridge between the office and the surrounding neighbourhood. Elevating the building creates a series of spaces that blur the line between work and city, promoting dynamic interactions between workers, clients, and locals. This includes the first of the eight public spaces within Bankside Yards, which leads through the elevated arches of the historic railway. Next to this, the glazed lobby serves as a transition between the urban realm and the interior of Arbor. Inside, escalators lead to a terraced indoor landscape that can be either a work or social space, reflected at the top of the building in a 6m inverted triangle atrium and large outdoor garden terrace with a stunning view of London.
Well-being is at the forefront of Arbor's design. Features such as high ceilings and full-height glazing fill the spaces with natural light and offer panoramas of the city. At the same time, terraces on every other floor create transitional zones between outside and inside with their own microclimates, end-of-trip amenities make healthy mobility easy, and embedded technology makes for a seamless and comfortable workday.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor by PLP Architecture. Photograph by Jack Hobhouse.
Arbor is designed to embody the essence of Southwark with a modern twist, embodying local materiality and characteristics to create a sense of place that is both new and uniquely local. The building and the wider Bankside Yards project place a strong emphasis on sustainability, with Arbor operating on 100% renewable energy and net zero operational carbon emissions from day one, and the masterplan being the UK's first major fossil fuel-free mixed-use development powered by a 5th generation energy grid.
Recent lettings to Carbon Trust, Lewis Silkin, Smiths Group, and Winckworth Sherwood are proof of Arbor’s popularity as a contemporary workplace for top-tier business occupiers.
Midori Ainoura, Partner at PLP Architecture: “Arbor is a next-generation workplace for the post-pandemic era. It is more than a place to work, it is a place to interact, to share ideas, and feel inspired.”
More information
Architects
Client
Native land.
Area
28,000 sqm.
Location
Bankside Yards, London, United Kingdom.
Photography
David Leventhal, Karen Cook, Ron Bakker. PLP Architects
PLP Architects is a London-based studio of architects, designers, and researchers, co-founded by David Leventhal, Karen Cook, and Ron Bakker. Led by an experienced and dedicated group of partners who have worked together for more than three decades, the practice has produced some of the world’s greenest, most intelligent, and ground-breaking designs through a profound commitment to social, economic, and environmental values. They draw from a rich history and experience working together across a diverse portfolio of more than 500 projects around the world.
They value innovation and creativity and strive to test conventional limits, producing intelligent, ground-breaking, and exciting designs. They work across typologies and beyond the traditional boundaries of architecture, interiors, and master planning services, providing branding and positioning research, engagement strategies, and graphic, interior, product,d, and furniture design.
The foundation of their work lies in a commitment to a high quality of urban life, excellence in the handling of material, space, and light, and optimism about architecture’s potential to enrich our society.
Research also plays an important part in their work, and they consistently strive to push boundaries and redefine limits. PLP Labs serves as their in-house think tank to explore topics as varied as cultural engagement, brief writing and storytelling, and district-wide activation strategies.
David Leventhal was partner-in-charge of design at KPF’s London office, prior to leaving to found PLP Architecture, which he co-founded in 1989. David worked with KPF for a total of 30 years. A key theme in David’s work is the place of contemporary architecture in historical cities. This interest stems from his undergraduate studies in architectural history at Harvard, during which time he studied the challenges faced by late nineteenth-century American designers in finding novel yet relevant architectural expression.
In line with this interest, David, while at KPF, was the partner-in-charge of the design of a series of academic buildings set in the heart of the great English universities, including projects at Oxford University, the London School of Economics, and Imperial College. As with many of the other schemes, the building for the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) at Oxford won many awards which cited the lively dialogue the building establishes with its neighbors.
Again while at KPF, David was partner-in-charge of the design of the new Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) headquarters, a landmark that has become a symbol to the world of this fast-developing city. He received both his Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University.
Karen Cook is one of five founding partners of PLP Architecture. Previously Karen was a partner at KPF, whose London office she joined at its founding in 1990 and eventually led, along with her other PLP partners, until founding PLP Architecture. Her experience extends throughout Europe and has been driven by her interest in cultures and languages. Key elements of her work focus on environmentally sustainable design that is aligned with her philosophy of integrating design and technology in making better places to work and live.
Karen, while at KPF, was the designer of several important office structures. These include The Pinnacle, now under construction and emerging as the City of London’s tallest building, and, in Paris, Tour First (CB31), the tallest office building in France, whose dynamic new top transforms the skyline of La Defense. Her award-winning Danube House in Prague is the first sustainable office building in the Czech Republic. Its dramatic interiors form part of the setting of the James Bond action film “Casino Royale.” Karen’s designs have been exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, and the Pompidou Center, Paris.
Clients for whom Karen has designed innovative workplaces and public spaces include Hines, Europolis, Union Investment Real Estate, Arab Investments, AXA Reims, Cogedim, ICADE, Ferinel, Beacon Capital, Land Securities, NS Vastgoed, James Andrews, Canary Wharf, and The New West End Company. She lectures at symposia and participates in student juries across Europe. Karen received a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Art (Art and Architecture) from Rice University, Houston, Texas, and a Master in Architecture from Harvard University.
Ron Bakker is a Partner at PLP Architecture, which he co-founded with Lee Polisano, David Leventhal, and Karen Cook. Ron brings his European sensibilities to projects in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, and takes an Anglo-American enthusiasm back to projects in The Netherlands, his native land.
His recent projects include The Edge, the world's most sustainable office building developed by OVG Real Estate for Deloitte in Amsterdam; the refurbishment of a 1960s building in Westminster on behalf of Derwent London providing additional bespoke spaces for Burberry; a new high-end office development in Mayfair for Grosvenor, which is integrated with the infrastructure of a new Crossrail station serving the high-speed east-west link across London; a residential-led regeneration scheme for a large brownfield site in Berkshire for Legal & General; a mixed-use project in Kuwait City, and a residential project in Kolkata, India.
Ron has a particular interest in the architectural techniques that influence the qualities of gathering places in our cities and buildings; and excitement about the role of new technologies in the built environment. He speaks regularly at universities in Europe and abroad and at various forums on real estate, urban development, and digital technology in architecture, including at TEDx.
Ron studied under the tutorship of Aldo van Eyck, Herman Hertzberger, Niels Prak, and Joop van Stigt at the Delft University of Technology. He is a registered architect with the Stichting Bureau Architectenregister in the Netherlands; the American Institute of Architects’ New York Chapter in the USA and the Architects Registration Board ARB in the UK.
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