FX Awards 2017: The Winners
UK Project of the Year
Winner: Sky Central
by PLP Architecture, AL_A, HASSELL, Arup and Mace
Photo Credit: Hufton + Crow
Sponsored by Forbo Flooring Systems
PLP Architecture designed the interior architecture and developed the exterior for Sky Central, a new HQ of 45,000 sq m in three levels. Engineering was delivered by Arup, and Mace, alongside Sky as main contractor. The concept design and campus masterplan were by AL_A. Hassell designed the building’s Category B workplace.
Sky’s west London location allowed for a shed-like building typology that helped deliver Sky’s approach to workspace design – to promote flexible, collaborative, task-based working. The space divides into a series of multiple, distinct neighbourhoods, each housing around 200 people, which link via central mezzanines, stairs and ramps.
This connectivity encourages staff to take different routes around the office – providing space where ideas and people flow and interweave.
The Sky News glazed broadcast studio is cantilevered over the central atrium so workers and visitors can see what Sky is about. The 100m-long Sky Street runs at ground floor, connecting entrances, and is lined with workspaces, a 200-seat 4K cinema, dining spaces, promotional areas, and a supermarket.
Sky Central houses one of Europe’s largest timber roofs and is a unique example of unconventional (workspace) design, efficient engineering and delivery.
The judges said:
A human-scaled workplace environment has been created while maintaining the awe-inspiring scale of such a large building. Successful socially and spatially; detailed with flair and playful clarity. Ecologically exemplary’
Finalists & judges' comments
WPP Group, Hamburg Campus by BDG architecture + design
‘An original style that will stand the test of time. A clean, elegant and contemporary classic’
Surrey Fun House by Clare Gaskin Interiors
‘Detailed and imaginative. Great execution. A highly detailed and exquisitely execute play palace’
One Stop Doctors by Goddard Littlefair
‘Can too much luxury dull the senses?’
Rubik Sydney by Jonathan Clark Architects
‘Globalisation rules’
MADE.com by gpstudio
‘A well-executed response to a strong brand. Simple, colourful, material solutions allow the products/brand to sit centre stage’
Bush Theatre by Haworth Tompkins
‘Honest use of materials. Sensitive and well-detailed, the scheme has breathed new life into the theatre’
The Estee Lauder Companies by MCM Architecture
‘Elegant, beautiful. The HQ building exudes the world of elegance and beauty’
NewDay by Oktra
‘Contemporary cool decorates historic shed’
