The Crystal wins the Innovation Award at the national BCO Awards

The Crystal – a Sustainable Cities Initiative by Siemens, developed in Docklands, London – has been awarded the Innovation Award at the national British Council for Offices (BCO) awards.  

The BCO awards highlight excellence in office space design and functionality, acting as a benchmark for best practice in workplaces.

The Innovation award recognises significant innovation in one or more fields including sustainability, information and communications technology, lighting procurement, social programme, mixed use and regeneration.  

London0based multi-disciplinary architectural practice, Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will was the lead consultant and interior architect on the project which is the only building in the world to have achieved both BREEAM Excellent and LEED Platinum ratings. Wilkinson Eyre Associates was the shell and core architect; Event Communications designed the exhibition space; ISG was responsible for the construction; Turner & Townsend provided project management, cost management and CDM coordinator services.  

The Crystal serves as a conference centre, urban dialogue platform and technology and innovation centre in a uniquely shaped, glass-clad structure that encompasses more than 6,300 sq m (67,813 sq ft) on the waterfront at the western end of the Royal Victoria Docks in East London.  

Chris Brandon, managing principal at Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will, said: “We’re thrilled that the project has been recognised in these awards. As the lead consultant and interior architect for the project, we were involved in developing the brief and watched the scheme develop from the very start. The end result is a unique global hub dedicated to sustainable urban living, itself achieving the highest sustainable credentials.”

Inside the Crystal is the world’s largest exhibition on the future of cities covering 2,000 sq m (21,258 sq ft).

The interactive exhibition guides visitors through the urban infrastructure of the future, focusing on possibilities for sustainable mobility, building technologies, power and water supplies, and healthcare.

Designed as a hub for dialogue on sustainable urban living and development, the Crystal is open to the public and city decision makers. It also hosts a conference centre with 270 seat auditorium, office space, electric vehicle recharging points and a cafe.

Designed as an ‘all electric’ building, The Crystal uses solar power, ground source heat pumps and energy-efficient LED lighting. No fossil fuels are burnt in the building. Rainwater is harvested for re-use or recycling and the Crystal is ready to be connected to London’s smart grid.

The Crystal represents an investment of approximately £30 million by Siemens and is the flagship of Siemens’ Infrastructure and Cities Sector. The structure is home to Siemens’ global Center of Competence Cities, a team of multi-disciplinary urban experts, who aim to encourage the growth of sustainable cities through partnerships, research and expert collaboration on solutions.