debating the future of the City
Yesterday’s journey through One Leadenhall Street was nothing short of architectural poetry in motion.
Standing 35 stories tall in the heart of the City Cluster, this latest masterpiece by Ken Shuttleworth and Make Architects reveals itself as more than just another office building—it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can elevate the urban experience.
The formal presentation with Brookfield’s Peter Clarke and Ken Shuttleworth himself set the stage perfectly, before we ascended to witness the building’s crown jewel: the Level 29 public terrace. Here, suspended between earth and sky, the city unfolds in spectacular panorama, while the adjacent Grade II* listed Leadenhall Market whispers stories of London’s rich architectural heritage below.
Walking through Level 24, the remarkable harmony between generous floor plates and soaring ceiling heights creates spaces that breathe—a technical achievement that translates into genuine human comfort. The 430,000 sqft of Grade A offices demonstrate how modern engineering can honour both efficiency and elegance.
This visit forms part of JJ Sarralde’s thoughtfully curated Gracechurch Series, exploring how contemporary architecture is reshaping one of the City’s most historic streets. It’s fascinating to see how each building contributes to an evolving urban narrative while respecting its context.
Architecture, at its finest, doesn’t just house our ambitions—it elevates them. One Leadenhall Street achieves exactly that.
#Architecture #CityofLondon #UrbanDesign #SustainableDesign #BuildingDesign City Architectural Forum
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