Foster & Partners Office
There are few architect's offices to which the term "Cathedral of Architecture" could apply, but this is surely at the top of the list. This is Foster and Partners head office. From the end of Hester Road one enters through a modest door and up a long staircase, set in a double height space. On the left of the stair is a cafe where staff take their breaks watching the comings and goings. After pausing at the top one passes through a set of double doors into the studio itself. 60m long and 24m wide, double height, with the north wall completely glazed and overlooking the Thames. A mezzanine floor fills the back of the space, containing meeting rooms. There are more offices below and private apartments above, which were sold off as a way of financing the development. If you only ever visit one architectural office in London, make it this one. The office usually takes part in London Open House on the third weekend each September. Visit www.londonopenhouse.org for details
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