Published on 26-05-2009 by Skyscrapernews.com
Scott Brownrigg has designed this futuristic glass clad hotel to stand in Hoxton, currently one of the trendiest areas of East London.
The site stands near the eastern end of Old Street overlooking the junction that sees Paul Street, Great Eastern Street, Rivington Street and Pitfield Street all converge. The design responds to the shape of the site much in the same manner as the Flatiron Building by creating a prow that is angled towards the centre of the junction although it eschews a triangular shape by filling out broadly around the site.
With double skinned glazing wrapping around the main body of the building, at the base the edges of the tower stands above the pavement around much of its length that exposes a central slope. This spirals up and into the tower from ground level like a loading ramp for a UFO. The only thing missing is the electronic beeps from Close Encounters and a spot of smoke.
The creation of this space in and around the foot of the tower will allow the developer to utilise the area as a public space that can be used by local creatives such as artists as well as improve pedestrian permeability in and around the site.
This isn't the first tall building that's been dreamed up for the site. Previously architect firm Bluebase came up with their own mixed-use designs for the area that featured a 26 storey tower whilst over the road Shoreditch House, a sixties tower block already exists and adds a bit of height to the area.
If built the 20-storey structure will be the first of Park Plaza's Art'otel brand (that's a trademarkable contraction of Art Hotel) to open in London boasting 350 rooms and a new public gallery. If it goes ahead the developer is looking at getting it open in 2012 just in time for London's Olympics.