Known as The Cheesegrater, in the heart of the City of London’s now rapidly redeveloping ‘Eastern cluster’ – home to London’s valuable insurance sector, the Leadenhall Building is one of the City’s new generation of tall buildings. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, with a signature form, it has a dramatic 6-storey high galleria that covers the full building footprint, and provides sheltered views to the iconic Lloyds Building by the same architects, directly opposite. This unique, semi-open space of unprecedented design was conceived as an entrance to the offices which comprise most of the tower’s use, but is also open for public use, and incorporates key routes through.
While the building was under construction, ZZA were appointed to propose functional content to make the galleria a lively and rewarding venue for tenants and visitors. Our strategy drew on ZZA’s rich knowledge of tall buildings and international exemplar spaces, analysis of surrounding provision, and engagement with the building’s tenants, architects and asset managers.