Transcript of interview with Lee Polisano

Chairman, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (International) PA

The Heron Tower is one of London’s most distinctive landmark buildings. That was the original intention that we had in designing the building and that was Heron’s ambition from the beginning.

This building will be an exemplar for sustainability. It was designed with that in mind from the beginning. There will be many, many features about the building, about the way we build the building, about the way we operate the building, about the systems within the building, that will contribute to its sustainability and allow it to use far less energy than most buildings.

Architecture | Heron Tower – Advanced Business Life Environment

Heron Tower will be an innovative and environmentally focussed workplace. At 794ft tall (46 storeys) it will enhance the city’s skyline.

Discover the fundamental architectural design concepts that set this building apart.

A design based around expansive and flexible office spaces

  • The location of the offset service core on the south side of the building creates unusually flexible open plan offices.
  • The external steel structure cuts down the need for intrusive internal columns.

Sustainability is high on the design agenda for Heron Tower

  • The building has achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’.
  • Extensive use of clear glass on the building facades maximises daylight to the office floors, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
  • A veil of photovoltaic cells on the south elevation will generate renewable energy and help to create a solar shield.

An innovative lifts system is at the heart of this efficient building

  • A total of 10 quick and efficient double deck high speed lifts, with hall call destination control.
  • 6 external scenic lifts are fully glazed affording spectacular views.