22 Bishopsgate offers a new, positive relationship between itself, the city and the public. At its base, pedestrian access is unlocked through the cluster in the heart of the City, converting it into landscaped public open space. Systems to improve well-being in the public realm have been implemented such as wind mitigation canopies, and a management system that consolidates deliveries to the building and reduces the number of vehicle trips needed, subsequently reducing emissions. At the summit, five levels of restaurants, bars with external terrace, and London’s highest and free-to-public access Viewing Gallery, offer new ways to experience the City.

Art and craft have been integrated into the architectural design, carrying on the traditions of centuries old City Guilds, creating an enriching experience for visitors. The entrance hall is a multi-level foyer conceived as an art gallery with curated temporary art exhibits. Permanent installations adorn the building, such as Alexander Beleschenko’s glass canopies and Bill Amberg’s leather hand-crafted reception ‘library’. French furniture artist Pierre Renart has been commissioned to design and make sculptural, figural walnut pieces. Artist Bruce McLean provided bold and colourful art, a unique work for each passenger lift car; London’s fastest lifts and Europe’s fastest double deck lifts ferry passengers directly to their destination at eight metres per second.

22 Bishopsgate is infused with smart technologies, from the front door to the glass façade and everything in between. Opt-in facial recognition technology removes the hassle for staff entry and QR entry codes sent with visitors’ meeting invitations render the reception desk queue redundant. Roving receptionists greet and assist if required. Not only does the glass closed-cavity façade offer huge improvements in daylight transmission, but it also has user-controlled smart blinds, and is a significant factor in the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating to which it is designed.