Designed to be open and transparent, KPMG European Headquarters reflects the ethos that defines the company as one of the Big Four accounting firms.
In order to express this value architecturally, KPF’s design makes the activities of the building visible to both its internal and external audiences through the use of stacked and pocket atria. The public spaces of the building are connected to the surrounding environment and to one another, fostering a sense of connectivity to the external community while also contributing to the sense of community within KPMG. The building is conceived of as increments of horizontal units: the entire building and large atrium, the packages of 3 story atria and individual floors. Each of the units is grouped so that it can function both independently and in concert with complementary programs adjacent to it.
The west and north sides of the building house non-hierarchical office spaces, while the southern portion of the building opens out to its surroundings. At the southwest corner, a stack of 3-story atria brings the green space of Canada Square up into the building. The 3-story pocket atria are grouped programmatically, encouraging synergy between the 3 floors. Each pocket atrium overlooks the courtyard, the 14-story atrium, and the lobby. The activity of the entire stack of atria is readable from interior and exterior of the building, transforming into a column of light when illuminated.
