Architects: Fergus Carey & Associates
2003
Our concept for this prominent landmark site is to provide a singular building as a focal point for the regeneration of the docklands area. The proposal envisages an all glass building which when lit up at night (by way of an external lighting system integrated into the 16 large horizontal tubular sections) will shine like a welcoming beacon in tune with its maritime setting.
As the brief for the project required that the tower element should have good views of the city and minimal blank façades the concept of an uninterrupted 360 degree view of the city gave rise to a "vase type" central element, wide and circular at the top and reducing in diameter as it tapers to the base. The main circulation cores and ancillary facilities are placed in extended sections outside the radius of the main tower element.
The main tower has a central cylindrical core, which houses fire escape stairs, a private lift to the U2 studio and all the services for each floor. In addition the core acts as the primary support for the floors, secondary support is provided by columns that follow the tapering profile of the tower.
There are 16 large horizontal tubular stainless steel primary sections supported and attached to each floor by way of smaller tubular stainless steel space frame sections which in addition support the glazing system. A sunscreen system of louvres located between the primary sections and glazing provide shading to each floor. It is also intended to incorporate a system of solar cells in the south façade to provide a contribution towards the energy requirements of the building.
The North section of the tower is designed to accommodate the circulation and service elements thereby maximising the floor plates of the main central tower. The lifts are enclosed within a curved glass wall to give panoramic views of the city. This curved glazed system is similar to the system surrounding the main tower. The central staircase located between the lifts provides framed views over the river and projects at each landing level to give ever increasing views over the river.
The lower building on the south side is divided into several different sections, entrance lobby which connects to the lobby of the main tower, 1st floor for a café / shop. 2nd & 3rd floor can accommodate nightclub, wine bar and restaurant. The 4th floor will accommodate a number of apartments and the 5th floor is for a penthouse.
The basement design (level 1 - 16 cars, level 2 - 31 cars) can achieve a private segregated car park for exclusive use of U2 group and studio staff and residential occupiers.
At ground floor level a shallow pool of water provides a calm and serene ambience and a visual and physical link with the adjoining river. The pool wraps around the base of the main tower element and extends both sides of the southern lower building and gives the illusion that the building has been constructed in the river. A glazed "bridge", over the pool, links the two lobby areas to provide a large concourse suitable for events of a cultural nature i.e. art exhibitions, musical events etc. The pool also acts as a reservoir for the collection of rainwater from the building.
The main tower is 15 storeys high (including the roof top plant room). The ground floor is the main lobby for the tower building and lower building on south side. The 1st to 11th floors are all open plan offices of varying floor areas due to the ever increasing diameter of each floor; each floor has it own toilet facilities. On the 12th floor, which is the first floor of the U2 studio, part of the north tower is dedicated for plant equipment, the floor of the main tower is left free for studio use. The 13th floor is the main U2 studio with the same floor area as floor 12 but a floor to ceiling height of 5.5m. This floor also has access to a rooftop garden / terrace area, which is located on the roof of the 12th floor. The 14th floor (roof level) accommodates the main plant room and a helicopter-landing pad. The plant room is enclosed and ventilated by a louvered system surrounding the top of the main tower
Eastern area of the site contains a decked pedestrian area, with landscaping and seating areas thus providing a continuation of the existing Campshire development.