It was designed by architect Sir Norman Foster. It is the fourth tallest building in London. The construction started in 2005 and continued up to 2008. The cost of construction was £110,000,000.00. Its height is 125 meters. It has V-shaped floor space of area 44,120.00 (sq m) and has a maximum capacity of 2,700 people. It has 26 O.G. floors, 4 plant floors, 2 U.G. floors and 21 lifts which move at speed of 15 miles per hour. 55,000 tons of steel is used in construction. The building weighs 65,000 tones.
The foundation is 38 meters deep and the dimensions of steps of the building are 124.9m, 97.1m and 68.6m. The overall area is 67,500 square meters. The facade is glazed with 3,771 windows and atop the two frontal tiers are roof terraces offering open views across London. It is one of the green scrapers in London. A six-storey ‘green wall’ concept covers the North side facades encouraging bio-diversity, rain water is collected and stored for use in the landscaping. It has an auditorium with 375 seats and 6000 square foot Wellness Centre. Associates terrace is 4000 square foot in area client terrace is 2500 square foot. Parking area can accommodate 200 bicycle, 90 motorbikes and 30 automobile spaces.
It has an Associates restaurant with 300 seats and 40 seat private client dining room called the Client Advocate restaurant, 27 conference rooms and many video conference rooms. Next to this building stands another master piece of Norman Foster, 30 St. Mary Axe. Lloyd’s used to occupy the site of The Willis Building. During construction 77.6% of material from the demolition of the Lloyds building was recycled and crushed for use in the foundations. A fringe of shops, cafés and bars at its base together with linear seating and landscaping, combine to enhance the public realm.
Awards:
Best New Building in the City by Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects
Best New Skyscrapers of the year 2007
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