Case Study 2: City Hall, London

Questionnaire:

(I asked 20 people of different age groups, including both visitors and staffs to get an insight into their perception of the space and the content. Below are representative answers. Basically, most of answers of these questions are positive)

Do you think ‘City Hall’ is a great addition to London skyline?

Compared to 'the Shard', less people like the shape of City Hall.

Are you satisfied with the functions that provided by ‘City Hall’? Do you think it has a good cooperation with its surrounding?

Sure, I love the green space in front of building, it is always very popular as it provides a place for public to rest and play. There are lots of office buildings around here; both visitors and staffs like to enjoy their lunchtime in this area. Now, you see we have a Christmas market (the research is during Christmas).
Yes, I like the Cafe here.

Do you think the City Hall’s positive influences outweigh the negative influences?

Yes, it is a famous building in London.
It constructed earlier than the most of buildings around it, but it still looks modern now.
Yes, it is free entry, and many visitors come to visit it.

Do you think ‘City Hall’ provide a good working experience? (Staff)

Yes, it is bright inside, especially in summer. but it can be better if it has more office space and increases heating supplies.
Yes, it has a very good location.

City Hall, London

The Queen's Walk, London SE1 2AA

Context

City Hall is the new headquarters for the Great London Authority (GLA), including the Mayor of London and London Assembly as well. This building contains generously office spaces, and, at the top of the ten-storey building is a public space with an open viewing deck. The assembly chamber at the central of the building is a open and transparent space, and the walkway links all floor of the architecture that provides views of the interior space (Kuhl et al, 2008, p.119).

“London City Hall is noted for its uniquely bulbous design that stands out amid the more conservative backdrop of the River Thames' south bank” (Powell, 2011, p.318).

Arguments

Positive:

[Facade] - The bulbous nature of this building can help to reduce its outer surface area, and thus require less energy to heat through its maximising shading and minimising the outer surface area exposed to direct sunlight. This building indicates its potential for a sustainable, basically non-polluting public building (Powell, 2011, p.318).

[Interior] - The assembly chamber is enclosed in glass at the heart of the building, which symbolizes a centre of transparent, democratic local government (Powell, 2011, p.318).

[Ecology] - Because of naturally ventilated and photovoltaic, and its cooling system can use groundwater pumped up through boreholes directly, City Hall uses only a quarter of the energy consumption compared to a typical air-conditioned London office building (Powell, 2011, p.318).

Negative:

[Function] - Its detractors claim the building has cramped offices, which is easy to leaks and is "disappointingly dumpy" (BBC News, 2002, Available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2129199.stm [Accessed: 6th January 2016]).

[Function] - This building has a lot of glitches that should be remedied, which include roof vents controlled through weather sensors that stayed open during a storm; glare inside the offices; and high humidity in summer and sudden chills in winter (BBC News, 2002, Available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2129199.stm [Accessed: 6th January 2016]).

Norman Foster

Norman Foster is known for his modern architecture made of steel and glass. From his works, we can see his enthusiasm and ambition about creating taller, larger and more spectacular buildings. At the same time, we can also see the good combination of inventive design, ecological concern and superb engineering in his buildings (Kuhl et al, 2008, p.131).

Fig.2 City Hall Section