START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA POWERH OU S E BATTERSEA POWER STATION MAGAZINE BATTERSEAPOWERSTATION.CO.UK ISSUE º. 3 — SUMMER 2014
Living Architecture
‘A GIGANTIC EXEMPLAR OF CREATIVE RE-USE’ STEPHEN BAYLEY ON BATTERSEA • VIEW FROM THE TOP NEW LIFE FOR THE POWER STATION CHIMNEYS • IN THE ZONE A NEW EMBASSY FOR A NEW QUARTER • GEHRY PARTNERS AND FOSTER + PARTNERS MEET THE DESIGN TEAMS START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
ISSUE º. 3 SUMMER 2014
04_ INTRODUCTION 32_ THE MILESTONES By Design Critic and Author, Stephen Bayley Facts, figures and construction timeline
08_ MASTERPLAN SNAPSHOT 34_ A BACKDROP TO BEAUTY An overview of the Battersea Power Station masterplan High-fashion and heritage brands at The Power Station
10_ DESIGNS FOR LIVING 42_ IN THE ZONE Who are the Phase 1-3 architects? Nine Elms, the Diplomatic Quarter and connectivity
12_ POWER PLAYERS 46_ PARKLIFE A look at the architects’ key projects Summer in the Pop Up Park
16_ VIEW FROM THE TOP 50_ THE VALUE OF VALUES The reconstruction of the famous chimneys The pledges that are defining Battersea Power Station’s future
20_ Q&A WITH FRANK GEHRY 56_ PUBLIC PROPERTY A discussion of his designs at Battersea Power Station A destination awaits…
24_ IN CONVERSATION WITH 58_ LIVING ARCHITECTURE Foster + Partners’ Grant Brooker and Andy Bow Beautiful objects designed by the Phase 3 architects
28_ SHOP, WORK, LUNCH, PLAY 64_ MY BATTERSEA Head of Leasing , Jo Skilton, sketches out the future By Sales Manager, Georgia Siri
1 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
THE FEATURED CONTENT –– CONTR IBUT O R S ––
Editor David Taylor Additional Material Stephen Bayley Simon Cawte Jennifer Haggart Design VIEW FROM THE TOP SHOP, WORK, LUNCH, PLAY wordsearch.co.uk 16 A look at the unique, technically complex restoration 28 Head of Leasing, Jo Skilton, discusses the future of the of The Power Station’s famous chimneys. commercial elements of Battersea Power Station. Illustrations Konstantinos Palaiologos Peter Reynolds Rebecca Lea Williams Photography Andrew Woffinden, pages 34-41
Cover Images Emeco Chair, by Foster + Partners, 2006 Vitra Wiggle Chair, by Frank Gehry, 1969-73 A BACKDROP TO BEAUTY LIVING ARCHITECTURE 34 From high-fashion and heritage brands, to niche chic and one-off 58 Household items designed by Foster + Partners and Frank Gehry designers, Battersea Power Station will reflect the Best of London. are as much about art as they are about purpose. BATTERSEAPOWERSTATION.CO.UK
The contents and information contained in this brochure are intended for general marketing purposes only and should not be relied upon by any person as being complete or accurate. BPSDC, its employees, agents and other representatives will not accept any liability suffered or incurred by any person arising out of or in connection with any reliance on the content of or information contained in this brochure. Facts and figures are correct as at September 2014.
2 3 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
“ INTRODUCTION by Stephen Bayley It doesn’t matter if you call this survival or revival,
a precious, but once he London Power beginning to describe my like the anthropologists’ myth Company! What a ‘hood as ‘the Embassy Quarter.’ of the perpetual return. brilliant name for Grosvenor Square arrives on T Battersea Power Station went a business. Metropolitan Nine Elms Lane in 2017. Vickers! Even better. They off-line in 1983. For some reason, wretched, part of are now long gone, but their But the district was always no one thought of demolition. host remains. Battersea Power rather special: I smile ruefully Less elegantly, it was left to Station is south London’s most at the batches of tourist- crumble. It was Grade II* listed outstanding building. photographers who still in 1980 and afterwards stood, populate the north shore, in ever-shabbier defiance, as a London is going to I have lived nearby for more trying to capture an image reprimand to the whole nation’s than 30 years. To a young, poor, of a noble building that The lost industrial past and London’s newly-married house-hunter, Beatles, Pink Floyd and own neglected municipal pride. the area south of Chelsea and Batman have, in any case, It was an architectural corpse Westminster appealed because, made ineradicable in collective haunting its own graveyard, in 1983, it was the unlikely, memory. New York’s Big Alice like an Art Deco Tintern live and breathe but welcome, combination of seems trite in comparison. Abbey. Everyone loved it, but ‘central’ and ‘cheap.’ These were everyone was also dismayed by the positive attributes. More I love this London dynamic. its becoming a symbol of metro negative were the terrible traffic We simultaneously cling to decay and lost willpower. (with never even a possibility traditions, yet are equally keen again. of a black cab), an ugly sense to trash them. There is an old So much so that Simon Jenkins, of being an outcast and a map which says ‘Proposed the twinkly-eyed guardian of generalised miasma of failure Theme Park’ where you would London’s architectural identity, and neglect. expect to find Battersea Power once suggested that the best Station. This was the time I solution was for the crumbling There was an historic period arrived here: in a desperate wreck to be stabilised as a ruin THE DESIGN CRITIC AND AUTHOR when people, as well as taxis, muddle of can-do optimism and all attempts at restoration STEPHEN BAYLEY DISCUSSES THE refused to come ‘south.’ I still and unreflective vanity, Mrs. or renewal be acknowledged have W11 friends who think me Thatcher had encouraged Alton as futile. Even more extreme, WINDS OF CHANGE BLOWING insane. But, while my sanity Towers to rescue one of the I once myself even suggested remains debatable, everything city’s favourite monuments. that the only solution was to THROUGH BATTERSEA else has now changed. Ambitious It never happened. Successive tear it down since The Power estate agents are, courtesy developers went through a tragic Station’s looming presence of twitched and fretful US cycle of deranged optimism- clearly hobbled all attempts diplomats bent on relocation, funding-crisis-collapse. It was at resurrection.
4 issue 03 powerhouse introduction 5 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
“ Personally, I think it is intellectually lazy to damn development. Regent’s Park and Bedford Square were developers’ projects and we like them well enough.
I actually knew this to be true Yet I spend a lot of time like them well enough. Instead, because Terence Conran and arguing with local interest I’d like to see developers more I had once scouted The Power groups, myopic and costive, responsive to public utility Station as a possible home for our who, bizarrely in my view, and I’d like to see residents’ future Design Museum. Alistair now say they prefer retaining groups more tolerant of McAlpine was sent to the site for heartless wasteland to the new buildings. Between the purposes of a professional risk of development. But complacency and hysteria builder’s appraisal. He returned they never had a better idea. there is room for intelligent from Europe’s largest brick- Indeed, the very best ideas discourse; there is still scope built structure to report that anybody had for the Vauxhall for creative intervention in necessary re-pointing alone Nine Elms Battersea (VNEB) Europe’s biggest building site. would exceed even Conran’s littoral included a Ready fortune. As others before and Mixed Concrete Depot, a It is excellent that Battersea since, we abandoned the project. Post Office and a long since Power Station is set to become defunct warehouse of the long a gigantic exemplar of creative There are several since defunct Her Majesty’s re-use. But there’s even more misunderstandings about Stationery Office. This on the history hereabouts: not far Battersea Power Station. In opposite shore to Thomas away, John Tradescant created short-hand, people say it is Cubitt’s and Norman Shaw’s his ‘Ark,’ the country’s first a design by Sir Giles Gilbert London, the finest domestic museum. And in the louche Scott, but in truth the exterior architecture ever made. People Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, was largely determined by used to say that London ‘turned Jonathan Tyers created the J. Theo Halliday who, if we its back on the river.’ This is world’s first theme park. are honest, was working to what they meant. a brief determined more by But I don’t want ‘my’ London considerations of engineering I don’t admire all the new to be either a museum or a than architecture. The other buildings proposed here: two theme park. I want it to be misunderstandings belong to judges of the US Embassy a living city. That will only Simon Jenkins and me: at last, competition abstained in happen when developers Battersea is getting powered-up despair at its artistic mediocrity. speak to real people and real again. It doesn’t matter if you people speak to developers. call this survival or revival, a There are those that fear the That’s always been a challenge, precious, but once wretched, site will soon be over-built but Battersea has got them part of London is going to live and rammed with soul-less, talking.•stephen bayley and breathe again. silent dormitories for itinerant absentee tax-fiddling non- But the question remains: what doms, perhaps in common with exactly is the quality of that life the sad reality of twenty-first and what are the values we are century world cities. Something going to inhale as fresh air blows of that sort is happening around over the south bank? Personally, Manhattan’s Central Park. I am grateful for almost any change. The badlands of the Personally, I think it is Vauxhall Nine Elms littoral intellectually lazy to damn never acquired respect or won development. Regent’s Park affection from anybody. and Bedford Square were developers’ projects and we
6 issue 03 powerhouse introduction 7 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA MASTER –– P L A N SNAP–– SHOT
Illustration: Peter Reynolds
This colourful iteration of Station as its centrepiece. Phase 4 the Rafael Viñoly designed Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Moving further east, Phase masterplan shows how Architects, it will contain a 4 will feature a range of the project will be built in rich mixture of destination commercial and leisure uses phases. Construction begins uses, including retail, culture, including further cafés and on the western end of the education, leisure attractions, restaurants at ground floor site, moving eastward, in the a multi-purpose venue, creative level. Above this will be a series process taking steps to make office space and some of the of apartments around a private sure people living, working capital’s most sought after courtyard space. and trading at the site are not residential accommodation. unduly disrupted by work on Phase 6 the remaining phases. Phase 3 To the east of The Power Phase 3, to the south of The Station will be Phase 6, the Phase 1 Power Station, will act as largest development block Phase 1 is a predominantly the main gateway to the on the site. This phase will residential element, which sits development and connect the incorporate terraces of to the west of The Power Station. new Northern Line Extension apartments overlooking The Designed by Ian Simpson Station to the site. It brings Power Station, with active uses Architects and de Rijke Marsh together two of the world’s at ground floor level and more Morgan (dRMM), it features a leading architectural practices commercial office space. diverse range of ground floor – Gehry Partners and Foster uses including retail, office + Partners, each of whom are Phases 5 and 7 space, food and beverage outlets providing starkly contrasting Phases 5 and 7 comprise and leisure facilities and is due but complementary residential- residential blocks which sit to the for completion in 2016. led schemes with a high street eastern edge of the site and will running through the centre, help knit the development into Phase 2 providing two levels of retail. the wider Nine Elms context. Phase 2 involves the creation of a new creative quarter, with the Grade II* listed Power
8 issue 03 powerhouse masterplan snapshot 9 Phase 1 DESIGNS FORLIVING 10
issue Ian Simpson
& dRMM 03 the Year 2013. including theBuildingDesignArchitectof in 1995andtheyhave wonnumerousawards, London basedpracticedRMMwas founded Awards andtheRosesDesignAward. multiple awards, Design includingsixRIBA were established in1987andhave won Manchester basedIanSimpsonArchitects Phase 1
Wilkinson Eyre Phase 2 Phase 2 2013 InternationalProjectoftheYear. Stirling PrizesforArchitectureandthe awards, includingtwoconsecutive RIBA Eyre Architectshave wonnumerous Founded in1987, LondonbasedWilkinson Phase 2
powerhouse Phase 3 designs
Foster+Partners BATTERSEA LIVING PUBLIC VALUES PARKLIFE ZONE FASHION MILESTONES FUTURE F+P GEHRY VIEW POWER DESIGNS MASTERPLAN INTRODUCTION CONTENTS START
for & Gehry Partners
‘the most importantarchitect ofourage.’ Survey, leadingVanity Fair tolabelhimas architecture inthe2010 World Architecture most importantworksof contemporary Gehry’s worksarecitedasbeingamongthe in1962,FrankEstablished inLosAngeles since itsinception in1967. national andinternationalcompetitions 670 awards forexcellence andwonover 120 Foster +Partners have received morethan Based inLondon,withofficesworldwide, Phase 3 living
Phase 3 Phase 3 11 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
Beetham Hilton Tower Manchester, UK
• The tallest building outside of SSE Hydro Glasgow, UK London and the highest structure in Manchester at 169m.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge POWER Gateshead, UK
Tower of Love Blackpool, UK
• 2012 Winner RIBA Award. PL AYERS • A new cultural landmark on No1 Deansgate Manchester, UK The Tower Festival Headland.
Illustrations: Rebecca Lea Williams Urbis Manchester, UK
As part of their back catalogue, the architects working at Battersea Power Station have designed some The Sliding House Suffolk, UK of the best and most recognisable buildings in the world. We take a look at five of each of their key projects.
Holloway Circus Birmingham, UK
University of Oxford Bodleian Library Oxford, UK 30 St Mary Axe London, UK
Endless Stair London, UK
Mary Rose Museum Portsmouth, UK One Blackfriars London, UK
Foster + Partners Gehry Partners Wilkinson Eyre Clapham Manor Primary School dRMM London, UK Ian Simpson
12 issue 03 powerhouse power players 13 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
Rundeskogen Tower Sandnes, Norway The Reichstag Berlin, Germany
• Situated in an infrastructural node • Multi-award winning restoration and transformation between three city centres on the of the historic German parliament building. EMP Museum Seattle, USA west coast of Norway. • Prismatic shape is derived from Chek Lap Kok Airport optimising the floor plans according Hong Kong, China Hearst Tower to views and sun as well as the creation of diagonal views in New York, USA • One of the world’s largest and most between and around the towers. advanced airports. • Built on what was a mountainous island, its 100m peak was reduced to 7m above sea level and the island was expanded to four times its original area.
The Dancing House Prague, Czech Republic
• Designed and built in collaboration Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain with the Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić. • Inaugurated on October 18, 1997, by the previous International Finance Centre King Juan Carlos I of Spain it houses a collection of • Supported by 99 concrete panels, Guangzhou, China modern and contemporary art. each a different shape and dimension. Walt Disney Concert Hall • The building is named as one of the most important • A 103-storey, 1,439 ft tall skyscraper Los Angeles, USA works completed since 1980 in the 2010 World that forms part of the Guangzhou Architecture Survey among architecture experts. Twin Towers. • Built as a gift to the people of Los Angeles • Winner of the RIBA 2012 Lubetkin Prize and a tribute to Walt Disney’s devotion to the arts and to the city. • Home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and Los Angeles Master Chorale.
8 Spruce Street Gardens By The Bay Singapore New York, USA • The largest climate-controlled glasshouses in the world. • Won World Building of the Year at the 2012 World Architecture Festival Awards.
Foster + Partners Gehry Partners Wilkinson Eyre dRMM
14 issue 03 powerhouse power players 15 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
VIEW FROM THE
Battersea Power Station’s most distinctive features — its world- famous chimneys — are being dismantled and recreated on site, with one of the quartet set to get a public viewing platform at its TOP pinnacle. David Taylor looks at a unique, technically complex restoration project with a difference.
16 issue 03 powerhouse view from the top 17 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
challenge solution You have four iconic chimneys which You employ some of the best brains are an integral part of one of the most in the business to put together a famous buildings in the world, but plan to painstakingly dismantle which are in such a bad condition that and reconstruct them. they represent a major safety hazard. Left to right: Justin Phillips, Timothy Jones, Philip Gullett, Cllr. Ravi Govindia 01 05 SO, WHEN IS THIS WHAT WILL THE ALL HAPPENING? CHIMNEYS BE USED The entire process will take FOR IN THE FUTURE? around two years, with work One of the chimneys will having started on the first be used to exhaust water chimney in August 2014. vapour from a new on-site Then, when the job is halfway energy centre. There is also through on the first chimney a plan to create a glass next spring, work will viewing platform at the simultaneously start on the north west chimney. remaining three. It will all be done by the middle of 2016. 06 The Power Station itself will HOW MUCH WILL be open to the public in 2019. THIS COST? The whole Battersea Power 02 Station restoration project HOW WILL IT BE DONE? will cost around £750 million, Work will start on the south with the chimneys element west chimney and surrounding costing some £11 million. brick plinth, with a circular rig A bond is in place to cover of hydraulic ‘jaws’ ‘munching’ the cost of replacing the ound simple? Think again. In fact, given and then ascends shortly afterwards as the is the correct way forward and that once the its way down the chimney from chimneys, which ensures their 110m height and condition, it is chimney is rebuilt. Crushed material is chimneys have been replaced, you really the top, with debris funnelled funds are available for anything but. That is the scenario faced dropped down a central chute and will be used won’t know the difference.” Jones added that S down a chute in the centre their replacement under by BPSDC Chief Operating Officer, Philip elsewhere on site, perhaps in artwork, while a these were ‘quite radical’ proposals, but that of the chimney for recycling any eventuality. Gullett, and his team of experts, led by Buro ring of the chimney will, said Gullett, reappear he hoped that the ‘fantastic’ building and its elsewhere on site. Once fully Happold Partner and Director of Environment in external works or as part of a play area – as most instantly recognisable feature – the four More info at: dismantled, the new chimney and Infrastructure, Justin Phillips. long as it can be extracted successfully. While chimneys – will re-emerge as a prime example batterseapowerstation.co.uk/chimneys will be built up from the bottom For over 15 years, said Phillips, his team the new chimneys will be identical visibly, of what English Heritage calls ‘constructive using ‘jump form’ cast concrete and others before him have looked into how the pattern of the steel reinforcement and conservation.’ in 1.22m increments. It will they could try to repair the chimneys, which the composition of the concrete has been One interesting area, however, is colour. take around six months to have become corroded and carbonated as a improved to make the new chimneys less English Heritage is keen to see the exact build it to its full 50m height. result of flue gases, sulphur and the ravages of vulnerable to corrosion. colour of the originals maintained, but the London weather over the 31 years The Power The whole plan has been worked up in chimneys were painted a number of times Station has been closed. Cracks as long as close collaboration with English Heritage, the over their lives, so there is a question over 03 HOW MUCH CONCRETE ARE 4m in length have appeared in some places government agency that looks after historic what is ‘original’ and there may still be slight WE TALKING ABOUT? and where those cracks intersect, there is buildings. English Heritage’s Principal variants in tones, so English Heritage will take For each chimney, around the potential for lumps of concrete to fall off. Inspector of historic buildings and areas, a view further down the line. Paint scrapings 600 tonnes of concrete will be Inside the chimneys, meanwhile, some of the Timothy Jones, said Battersea Power Station have been taken and a test panel will be removed and a similar volume tiling has come away and there have been is a relatively ‘rare breed’ as a Grade II* listed painted at ground level. used in the rebuild. attempts made to grout repairs and even building, its second highest designation, Another one for the future is the addition temporarily strap them back. But although and The Power Station has been on English of a glazed viewing gallery currently in design a temporary patch-up of the chimneys is Heritage’s ‘Risk’ register for many years. So he and proposed for the north eastern chimney, 04 possible, it wouldn’t be an adequate fix. “If is understandably concerned to safeguard its which will zip the paying-public to its peak, WHO’S DOING THE WORK? they are going to be safeguarded on the skyline life going forward and is keeping a ‘watching some 100m up, in an elevator inside. It will be It’s being done by specialist for future generations,” said Phillips, “it has brief’ on the scheme. “Its future is something a view like no other, and Battersea’s chimneys contractors Beroa Bierrum, become clear they need to be dismantled that English Heritage, along with millions of will have received a whole new life in the who will also record details of the chimney in its current form. and rebuilt.” Londoners, takes very seriously indeed,” said process.•david taylor This process is done sensitively, using a Jones. “The chimney replacement programme circular rig platform, which gradually descends is something we have worked on closely with from the top as the chimney is dismantled the developers and we’re satisfied that this
18 issue 03 powerhouse view from the top 19 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
Frank Gehry answers the number of apartments so can relate to it and understand questions about his designs we understood the scale of the that there is a humanist texture for Battersea Power Station, buildings and what they had to here. But you want it to be a what it is like to work here be, the heights, looking at the comfortable place to live. and what it means for London. distances in between. We didn’t have Foster + Partners’ designs Do the constraints affect your ability to visualise the future Why do you think Battersea initially but when we did we went of the building? Does the fact Power Station is so popular? back and forth – they modified about 700 people will live Why do you think people love theirs, we modified ours, so that here affect the way you think this building so much that it slowly they started to fit together. about the building? has generated all of this work Do you think that the fact that around it? The Power Station’s shape is I think that the constraints by the developer, by the In all the years I’ve been going to related to a use that no longer marketplace, by a lot of things, London it’s always been pointed exists adds to it as a kind certainly dictate what you out to me – people saying: “Look! of sculpture? can do here and it dictates the There’s Battersea Power Station, The form of the building was density, which sets the stage, some day we are going to do made because of its function as and it dictates the view of the something with that.” So I think a power station, but it was built icon as an important piece of WITH FRANK GEHRY its just human nature somehow. at a time when architecture or the puzzle. Being in London, It wants to grasp something language was like this and so it there is a tradition of crescents that they feel is real because Q&A has kind of a classical character. and alleys that I think Viñoly everything else seems so real… was trying to emulate with his How do you want people to Could you describe a little of your masterplan. I was worried that feel when they arrive at this design process? people here weren’t going to development for the first time? have good views of The Power We start by laying out blocks and I hope that they find comfort, Station, so we concocted this then we make models. I think we solace and privacy and a sense idea of a flower building that made it at two scales – smaller of personal place and that they had a little more iconicity and and bigger – and we laid out recognisable character.
20 issue 03 powerhouse q&a with frank gehry 21 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
What do you think will make much, whether you’ll read that your building and the wider here at this scale I’m not sure. site a successful place? I think they will.
Well I had success with Bilbao, Are those two buildings – your where they created an economic scheme and Foster + Partners’ boondoggle all through the – brothers or cousins? Are city. I don’t think this is that they related? kind of project, where one architect is the whole thing, I hope they’re cousins at least. The Power Station is the name They are very different but of the game and it’s the icon they are probably talking to and it’s here. You have the each other now… it’s nice to masterplan with different have a little variety. architects working within What did you say to Boris that plan, trying to optimise Johnson when you presented its positives and eliminate the scheme to him last week? its negatives, as the song goes. I liked the Mayor, he was cute What is special about this and sassy. He was so young, I project in your canon of work thought, and had a lot of energy. that makes it stand out? He seemed very happy with the We work very intuitively; we scheme – with its direction and are responding to a time, place, how many affordable units we’re budget, politics, marketplace, creating. I think it’s going to be a people and we come at it with a special project. strong sense of leaning toward I love this profession Finally, what drives you to keep the human side, rather than the making extraordinary buildings? I am in. I love the minimalist cold models that modernism sometimes makes. I love this profession I am in. I love the challenges of it, the challenges of it. Do you think this place will feel impossible challenges of it in like London? some cases. I love doing things Frank Gehry This site is part of London on time and on budget. I love historically and The Power that, because it constantly Station is recognised as London. proves to me that if you can There are mimics of the building make architecture out of tough in New York, but this one looks budgets and normal real estate like London and so it stamps developers’ constraints, that the whole development I think there is no sense in going ‘low’ – we are kind of appendages when they build those buildings. and supplicants and part of the They don’t need to; they can get on-going collaboration in the a better product for the same development of it. I think the price. We have proven that crescent idea is London, pretty endlessly and I love doing that.
22 issue 03 powerhouse q&a with frank gehry 23 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
Foster + Partners’ Grant do nothing for local views across could be given over to a Brooker and Andy Bow the site and to and from The landscaped roof garden and describe the scheme they are Power Station itself. The original amenity space – a rare thing in designing at Battersea Power masterplan for the site created London, as developers ordinarily IN CONVERSATION Station – London’s first 21st a strong framework and one of seek to exploit private penthouse century mansion block. the key ingredients, a high street. space. Like the High Line in New But the typology of the Foster York, the garden element is being The scheme being designed to + Partners’ building changed – designed by James Corner Field WITH GRANT the south of Battersea Power what was to have been an office Operations and at 330m long Station by a team at Foster + building is now a predominantly and over 6,000 sq m in area, will Partners, led by Design Director residential scheme. be one of the largest in London. Grant Brooker and Senior “The whole of the bottom of the Partner Andy Bow, features over That change gave the architects scheme is where you want to 500 apartments, a magnificent a chance to ‘flex’, says Brooker, have interest, scale and rhythm BROOKER and rather than offer a large roof garden, hotel, affordable and different uses and so on,” housing, clinic and shops. It block that filled its edges, it says Bow. “So instead of having snakes and weaves as it acts allowed the architects to create an undulating roofscape, we as social glue: connecting The a thinner footprint, bending and wanted to create an interesting & ANDY Power Station to Battersea Park weaving from The Power Station streetscape. That came from a Road, the tube station to the high to Battersea Park Road.“That moment when one of our models street, creating a dialogue with gave us something to play with was just turned upside down.” Gehry Partners’ buildings to the against the way Gehry Partners east and the railway lands to the were developing their scheme. They realised that the top of BOW west as it goes. The project wasn’t created in the building should not be a vacuum – it had to have ‘fragmented’ at all, said Brooker. “We really wanted to make a dialogue with their work.” “The top should be the unifying Foster + Partners a building that faced in both piece and the base could then directions,” says Andy Bow. There was one major light really, really fragment.” It could at Battersea Power Station “We didn’t want it to have a high bulb moment, however, in the also allow everybody in the street elevation and a back.” design’s evolution. A key move development to benefit from that the designers made at model 330m long roof garden space – a Neither did the design team wish stage was to flip the building democratic gesture. “We thought to create a featureless wall of on its back, which allowed a flat that would be great because we accommodation, which would elevation on the roof which have got something that you just can’t normally do.” Another principled step was to create the affordable housing at the southern end of the site near the tube station, clinic and access point to the roof and design it in such a way that it is ‘blind’ – indistinguishable from the private.
Left to right: Grant Brooker and Andy Bow.
24 issue 03 powerhouse in conversation with 25 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
“ A key move the designers made at model stage was to flip the building on its back, which allowed a flat elevation on the roof which could be given over to a landscaped roof garden and amenity space.
“The site is a tough one, with the At the southern side of The cutaways at different levels, scheme ‘controlling’ the western Power Station, Foster + Partners across and through the building. edge towards the railway tracks, have created a spiralling form “Because of the form of the acting as a ‘screening building’,” where a boutique 4-star hotel scheme and its spirit,” says says Brooker, albeit one that can be incorporated, bringing Brooker, “these soft returns benefits from all the daylight its range of all-day social become entrances for the and views across. There is a elements, including a public apartment buildings and also significant level change from bar and restaurant, along with provide glimpses through to the the southern end of the site panoramic views of The Power west. They’re big, grand rooms to where it meets The Power Station and across London. and the idea is that they can Station and beyond. The high “What we thought was really have art exhibits in there, car street between the two – and a important was that The Power launches, evening events,” adds stepped section between Foster Station for all of us is a very Bow. “This is a big building so it + Partners’ and Gehry Partners’ powerful and dominant piece, warrants having large entrances, more fragmented scheme – will but our building is about not like the normal thing where be essentially how this gets connection. They’re about one you walk in and there are a resolved, following a series of another, about entrance to the couple of Mies chairs and a intensive workshops between site and the entrance to The coffee table.” the two teams of architects. But Power Station. I think they have it is interesting to note, said a dialogue with one another. Both of the southern elements Brooker, that this arcing quarter But we’re resolving an enormous – Gehry Partners’ and Foster + of a mile stretch mirrors almost piece of urban fabric here, it’s Partners’ – play off the positive exactly the crescent between the not just The Power Station.” attributes of each other, but that southern end of Regent Street has been no happy accident. and Piccadilly Circus. “You don’t In many ways, says Foster “We have both been aware as we realise how long that is until + Partners’ partner Jurgen have developed the projects ever you walk it,” said Brooker. “It’s Kuppers, the building is since the first selection, of where actually a very significant route.” revisiting many of the each other’s thinking was going aspirations which contributed and how we were developing it.” While there is ‘motion’ in Gehry to Le Corbusier’s Unité Partners’ dynamic proposed d’Habitation, the most famous Ultimately though, Bow has buildings, says Brooker, “if you of which is in Marseille. another way of describing what look at the form of the buildings, Through incorporating living the practice has come up with, you will see that they are leaning and working in one building, which will be built by 2020. “I and there is a strong motion with affordable housing mixing sometimes call it London’s first going through them that is with a clinic, private residential, 21st century mansion block,” reflected in our building.” shared amenity spaces, a hotel he says. “It just has all these The power of it is created by the and retail. different uses under one roof. long wave and it’s all driven by And what a roof!” the horizontals, they visually But another driver for the carry the idea. scheme is views – to and from The Power Station and, thanks to the creation of voids and
26 issue 03 powerhouse in conversation with 27 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
“This is not just A. N. Other residential development. in Europe at the heart of our development. But what we’re This is a new London district with a heart and a soul and trying to do is put the heart and soul back into the building.” a place where people will want to shop, work, lunch and In order to do that, you need to create life and you need play! It is about creating a sense of place. Whilst there is a to create activity. And that, says Skilton, is about bringing lot of retail, we’re not building a shopping centre. What we people here day and night – “working here, playing here, are doing is breathing new life into an iconic landmark and sleeping here.” ensuring that everything we do adds value to the location So, what is being built to cater for all of this and attract and creates a new destination. This isn’t a traditional retail those throngs? offer, it’s the best of the London market villages, it’s the best In terms of the overall commercial elements, Phase 1 of Marylebone High Street, it’s the best of Camden, it’s the is intrinsically our village, says Skilton. “The first phase best of Shoreditch and Soho, all with a Battersea twist.” really sets the tone. This will be a vibrant village setting with So says BPSDC Head of Leasing, Jo Skilton, who’s a village pub, local community hall, a diverse mix of great charged with putting together all the buzzy key elements places to eat and the start of an office community. The retail of the Battersea Power Station project that will bring it to offer will cater to those living in Phase 1, as well as those life and make it really work as a place – offices, retail, leisure, working here and those visiting. It’s very much the butcher, restaurants and bars. baker, candlestick maker offer. We’re looking to bring in a
SHOP, WORK, LUNCH, PL AY
BATTERSEA POWER STATION IS SET TO BE A VIBRANT, BUZZY PLACE. BUT BEYOND THE RESIDENTIAL ELEMENTS WHICH HAVE SO FAR DRAWN A LOT OF ATTENTION, WHAT WILL ITS OTHER MAIN COMPONENTS BE? AND HOW WILL THE PERFECT BLEND BE ACHIEVED? HEAD OF LEASING JO SKILTON SKETCHES OUT THE FUTURE.
So, what will Battersea Power Station be like in, say, ten fishmonger, a fabulous fromagerie, a baker and a florist, as years time? How will it feel as a place? well as some really great restaurants.” When it’s fully open, says Skilton, the area The Power The place will also have a fantastic evening restaurant Station sits in will be an entirely new quarter of London. buzz, with a Michelin-starred restaurant alongside other “That’s what’s really exciting,” she says. “Where else in a cool and funky food and beverage offers. “We’re talking to major world city do you have the opportunity to build a outlets from high profile restaurateurs to start up businesses new district?” – we’re really keen to get that mix right, so the whole thing If you start with the wider picture of the Vauxhall Nine comes together to create real value where the whole is Elms Opportunity Area, as defined by the GLA’s planning greater than the sum of the parts.” team, this whole strip on the banks of the Thames is teaming The backdrop to this eating and drinking environment with activity and promise, with its connectivity improved by will be a dramatic one – the rebuilding of The Power Station the forthcoming Northern Line Extension. “But then you itself. “People will be able to come down and have a picnic start to drill down to the 42 acres that is Battersea Power on the riverbank, come and sit in a restaurant, or buy Station – effectively the heart of the development. We have their cheese or fresh bread,” says Skilton, “and there’s this the building itself, which is the largest brick-built building amazing building behind you that’s transforming every day.”
28 issue 03 powerhouse shop, work, lunch, play 29 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
“ Our aspirations are to facilitate a number of designers, creative types, co-working space and to make it the coolest office building in London. Because it won’t really be like a traditional office building. It’s more like being a place where people just want to be.
Above: Retail floors Right: Open plan office space. within The Power Station.
Above and top right: A glass ceiling Right: Turbine Hall A will include a lights the dramatic office lobby in flexible ‘folly’ space which appears The Power Station. to float within its volume.
Phase 2 is the critical mass of the retail it on large floorplates and that allows us to Because it won’t really be like a traditional There are also opportunities at Battersea offer, in The Power Station itself. This will bring in very big brands that want extensive office building. It’s more like being a place Power Station to create hotels. Discussions are consist of three floors of retail, which will, space, or to split the space up. We’re looking to where people just want to be.” ongoing with key operators from around the says Skilton, be about the best of British and deliver a real mix of exciting, creative brands. Skilton can already envisage tenants world on one scheme in the Foster + Partners’ international brands. “We really want it to be Our aspirations are to facilitate a number of working in their offices, sitting out in the park building, where it meets The Power Station; the heart of London, flying the flag. But we’re designers, creative types, co-working space and at lunchtime, conducting their office meetings a hotel of 167 rooms complete with a world- not doing it in the conventional department to make it the coolest office building in London. in a cutting edge restaurant and meeting their class restaurant with enviable views of the city. store or shopping centre layout, where you friends down in Prospect Park. “You can really There are also plans to create a 69-bed boutique put a department store at either end and infill see how their lives will be enriched by being at hotel in The Power Station itself. “But again, with retailers. Because our anchor is The Power “ Battersea Power Station.” everything we do, we do based on this provision Station. That is why people will come. We want We really want it to be the heart of Phase 3 joins The Power Station to of curating the right offer,” says Skilton. “It’s to bring in world-renowned retailers, new Battersea Park Road, the Electric Boulevard the best of the best, but creating a real sense start-ups, pop-ups, maybe retailers who have London, flying the flag. But we’re or effective High Street for the area. “We’ll be of space so that nothing jars and everything is never taken physical space before.” not doing it in the conventional talking to brands about the many sub-brands interwoven.” Again, it’s the total mix. “It will The first two floors will be retail, with the they own. Can we do something differently be very easy to work here, buy fresh produce third a food offer akin to Eataly in New York, department store or shopping with them that they don’t do anywhere else?” every day, stay in the hotel overnight, meet with lots of different operators together. centre layout, where you put a The retailers will also be asked about creating your friends on a Saturday night in a really Then there are two floors of event space – something which is bespoke for The Power cool restaurant, have a laid back breakfast on everything from cinemas to large event venues department store at either end Station, be that a fashion range, or a Battersea Sunday morning followed by lunch in the village and potentially a boutique hotel – and above and infill with retailers. Because bag – or perhaps just the unusual, such as a wet pub.” Skilton laughs at her own enthusiasm: that there are six floors of offices. shave bar in their menswear store. “It’s all with “Why would you ever want to leave?” So, what sort of firms are the project our anchor is The Power Station. a view to having a reason to come to Battersea backers expecting to entice there? “What’s That is why people will come. We Power Station,” says Skilton. “It’s not just to really exciting about the office space is that see an iconic building and not just to be part it is very rare in London that you get to build want to bring in world-renowned of a great place and a great vibe. It’s also about 100,000 sq ft floorplates,” says Skilton. “If you retailers, new start-ups, pop-ups, having slightly different nuances in everything take the six floors and add them all together, that we do.” that would be the same office floorspace that maybe retailers who have never is provided in the Gherkin (the Swiss Re taken physical space before. building) in the City. But we’re actually doing
30 issue 03 powerhouse shop, work, lunch, play 31 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA THE MILESTONES 3,992 322,000 SQ FT Construction timeline OF COMMUNITY, CULTURAL NEW HOMES & LEISURE SPACE 2015 TOPPING OUT OF CIRCUS WEST SQ FT (PHASE 1) 1.62 MILLION OF OFFICES 2016 15 700,000 CIRCUS WEST COMPLETES 42 ACRES SQ FT OF RETAIL CHIMNEY REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME COMPLETES 998 YEARS 3 HOTELS LEASEHOLD 2019 16POWER STATION RESTORATION COMPLETE AND OPENS TO THE PUBLIC 564 225,000 SQ FT HIGH STREET OPENS AFFORDABLE OF FOOD & BEVERAGE HOMES 19 BICYCLE 2020 SPACES 450m 8,340 RESIDENTS OF PHASE 3 PARKING DIRECT RIVER START TO MOVE IN 3,346 SPACES FRONTAGE
32 issue 03 powerhouse the milestones20 33 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
A BACKDROP TO BEAUTY
Battersea Power Station is going to become one of the most exciting shopping destinations in the world, with an array of shops, brands, restaurants and leisure activities that will appeal to the most discerning customers. From high-fashion and heritage brands, to niche chic and one-off designers, from café culture to Michelin stars, Battersea Power Station will reflect the Best of London.
Photography: Andrew Woffinden Styling: Jane Taylor-Hayhurst Shot on location at Battersea Power Station
Taffeta dress, £500 by WilliamVintage Control Room A
34 issue 03 35 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
Cream & green crepe dress, £3045 by Valentino Control Room A ——— Red floral print dress £1,050 by Erdem Boots, £845 by Rupert Sanderson Annex A Roof ———
36 issue 03 powerhouse a backdrop to beauty 37 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
Emerald green dress, £1250 by Roland Mouret Boots, £845 by Rupert Sanderson Bag, £595 by Anya Hindmarsh Annex A Roof ——— Red dress, £552 by WilliamVintage Crisp packet bag, £995 by Anya Hindmarch Pumps, £360 by Manolo Blahnik ———
38 issue 03 powerhouse a backdrop to beauty 39 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
Pleat skirt dress, £1650 by Victoria Beckham Control Room A ——— Fluro pink dress, £1250 by Roland Mouret Boiler House ———
40 issue 03 powerhouse a backdrop to beauty 41 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
f the Northern Line Extension and Wandsworth. We will be, was a major confidence- now and in the future, a vital Iboost to the Battersea Power contributor and a good citizen in Station development at one the community of our new home.” end of the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area, the Fast forward to January this US Embassy’s decision to move year and Susman’s successor, to the other end provided another ambassador Matthew Barzun, is catalyst for wider regeneration. similarly effusive. He is pushing forward the project, but sought to It was back in 2008 when the clarify that the new building project US announced that it had bought is being funded entirely by the the site and the embassy staff are proceeds of the sale of the other US expecting to move from its current Government properties in London. overcrowded home in Grosvenor “This has always been the plan.” Square, in 2017 to a ‘welcoming, safe and energy efficient embassy The winning Timberlake design IN THE for the 21st century.’ is in the form of a cube which sits in the centre of its site and As the then Ambassador, Louis B develops the surrounding area Susman, put it in announcing the into an urban park. “It aims,” winning embassy design project says Timberlake, “to express in by Kieran Timberlake: “We hope its architectural form the core to contribute to the architectural beliefs of US democracy – heritage and future history of ‘transparency, openness and this great city but ultimately equality,’ in a way that is secure this project is about people. The but welcoming at the same time.” dedicated people who work with us; the people who work every day “The new, low energy embassy gardens,” says the embassy, “it The 480 acre Nine Elms on the to strengthen US –UK relations; meets all the required security will establish a strong framework South Bank Opportunity Area as ZONE for the urbanisation of the Nine a whole is well into its construction the people who visit the Embassy standards while honouring the for services or events; and most English tradition of urban parks Elms redevelopment zone.” phase, with a plan to create 3,000 importantly, the people who live and gardens as the context for affordable homes and around and work in Nine Elms, Battersea many civic buildings. With its To connect this new embassy 45,000 jobs, featuring a series district – the Dutch have also of tall buildings and a linear park signed on the dotted line nearby which stretches down to Battersea at Embassy Gardens – an Power Station from Vauxhall. international competition has – been launched to design a new The area’s other transport £40 million pedestrian and upgrades include two new cycle crossing that will link tube stops, two river bus piers, Nine Elms near the Embassy remodelled streets based on with Pimlico embankment. cycle-friendly Dutch designs and major upgrades to three Ravi Govindia, Leader of existing rail stations including Wandsworth Council and the Vauxhall interchange. Co-chair of the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership, said: The bridge and other transport improvements will be funded from “This will be a new bridge at the private Nine Elms developments centre of the world’s greatest city, and from growth in local business BATTERSEA POWER STATION IS FIRMLY AT THE HEART OF THE so the design standard has to be rates income, which is being NINE ELMS AREA, BUT THERE ARE QUITE A FEW NEW KIDS exceptional. It has the potential pumped back into the area. This to become a powerful icon for the new river crossing is part of a ON THE BLOCK AND ONE IN PARTICULAR. DAVID TAYLOR revival of Nine Elms, which will major network of new public space help us bring new life, jobs and which runs through the 480 acre LOOKS AT THE NEW US EMBASSY PROJECT ANCHORING homes to this under used Nine Elms district. This includes REGENERATION AT THE VAUXHALL END OF THE RIVERSIDE. part of London. It would also help a linear park, public squares, a connect communities north of the new Thames riverside path and, river with these new opportunities of course, a whole town centre and create a valuable transport at Battersea Power Station. link for our growing city.”
42 issue 03 powerhouse in the zone 43 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
– CONNECTING VICTORIA TO THE
SLOANE SQUARE TO WEST LONDON POWER STATION– 1km BOAT SERVICES TO CANARY WHARF AND GREENWICH TATE BRITAIN
hat individual As well as being of benefit to new retail space, be it a coffee shop or PIMLICO TO VICTORIA AND elements have had and existing residents in Battersea a (fashion) boutique, will be able CENTRAL LONDON the biggest impact on and Nine Elms, it also brings to draw on a customer base from W CHELSEA the regeneration of Nine Elms? with it a significant benefit for across London and down into the 00m FLOWER SHOW 5 The arrival of the US Embassy the shops, offices and restaurants South East. ROYAL HOSPITAL – certainly; the purchase and which make up roughly half of the restoration of Battersea Power development at The Power Station. But train and tube connections are just two of the public transport Station by SP Setia Berhad, BATTERSEA POWER STATION Sime Darby Property and For those already drawn to the solutions being opened up at RIVER BOAT STOP VAUXHALL TO CENTRAL LONDON Employees Provident Fund open-plan, industrial architecture Battersea. As well as being home – without doubt; but one of of The Power Station office to the two famous cranes in front the most significant game- floorplates, the transport of The Power Station, the river BOAT SERVICES TO PUTNEY THAMES PATH changers is the creation of connections being developed jetty will be serviced by bespoke a £1 billion extension to the will mean that their business river buses conveying passengers THAMES PATH (RESTORED AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION) NEW has almost the perfect location on the Thames towards Putney TO WEST AND CENTRAL LONDON London Underground network. CYCLING AMERICAN for a modern, London business. and up-river to Canary Wharf PATHS EMBASSY At a stroke, the extension to the Through being local at The Power and Greenwich. For those who Northern Line put 200 acres of Station, a business is able to draw like their transport to be on two central London former industrial on a wider geographical catchment wheels or two feet, The Power BATTERSEA PARK land at the heart of what is destined of employees, particularly Station will have over 2km of cycle BUSES NINE ELMS to become a powerful new spanning the South East where and pedestrian routes throughout (FUTURE NORTHERN LINE EXTENSION) transport hub. The extension to the an increasing number of young the 42 acre site. These cycle and TO CENTRAL LONDON Northern Line itself will manifest professionals are now moving. pedestrian routes will plug into itself in two new tube stations, one Evidence suggests this is a growing the enhanced London-wide cycle at Nine Elms adjacent to the new concern amongst businesses. network and also the extension of BATTERSEA POWER STATION (FUTURE NORTHERN LINE EXTENSION) US Embassy, and the second at the Thames Path, which is opening TO CENTRAL LONDON But the advantage is not confined Battersea Power Station. up between The Power Station BATTERSEA PARK STATION to access to and from the South and neighbouring Battersea Park. TO CLAPHAM JUNCTION In practical terms, that puts Nine East for workforce and supply AND THE SOUTH Elms and The Power Station within chain options. Businesses at That The Power Station is at the 15 minutes of the West End without The Power Station will also find heart of so many public transport needing to make any line changes. themselves directly on the tube options – rail, tube, river, cycle QUEENSTOWN ROAD TO WATERLOO AND RICHMOND But more than that, the new tube line into the City and other parts and bus – means that people line effectively becomes the circuit of the capital. That makes the living, working and visiting Nine board into which other modes of commercial space at The Power Elms and Battersea will be able public transport can plug in. Station a compelling proposition to journey to and from easily and reinforces the rational and sustainably. The interchange created through STOCKWELL of having the Northern Line TO BRIXTON the Northern Line Extension brings Extension funded through the That ease of access is vital in existing mainline train services serving the visitor numbers WANDSWORTH ROAD business rates generated in TO EAST LONDON from neighbouring Battersea Park Nine Elms. expected when Sir Giles Gilbert and Queenstown Road into a wider Scott’s masterpiece is opened to transport nexus, enabling travellers What’s true for the office space the public in 2019 and The Power to switch between the tube network is also true for the shops and Station takes its rightful place as and mainline rail services within restaurants at The Power Station. one of the most popular visitor minutes at Battersea Power Station. Entrepreneurs looking to take attractions in London.
CLAPHAM HIGH STREET 44 issue 03 powerhouse in the zone CLAPHAM NORTH 45 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
PARKLIFE Summer in the Pop Up Park
Battersea Power Station has been powering ahead with a series of blockbuster events at the site over the past few months, with many more in prospect. Here are just a few of them.
Light fantastic: As part of its annual party celebrations, The Power Station played host to a dazzling 4D light show on its facade, chronicling its past and showcasing its future. Watch the lightshow: www.driveproductions.co.uk
46 issue 03 powerhouse parklife 47 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
Lights, camera, action: THE Audiences could relax in a series of different seating BATTERSEA configurations, some with waiter service. POWER ——— Uplifting: The Everyman STATION outdoor cinema was situated in a pop-up park near PARTY Battersea Power Station’s famous listed cranes. ——— APRIL Sir Elton John was the Popcorn plus… the event star attraction at a star-studded was supported by Street inaugural party at The Power Feast food traders with a partially covered bar area. Station, before guests were ——— wowed by a light show produced by Drive Productions. Watched by thousands of headphone-clad revellers, the show came to life thanks to 360,000 lumens of light and inspiring, immersive visuals.
2013 BRIT Awards’ Critics’ Choice winner, Tom Odell, THE performed tracks from his debut POWER album Long Way Down before Sir Elton John played an hour OF long set of some of his most famous songs, including SUMMER
Rocket Man and Your Song. JULY – AUGUST Battersea Power Station has been the site for its fair share of films over the years. But this summer it was the backdrop, rather than the star, taking centre stage as an outdoor cinema. Run in conjunction with Everyman and Heineken, the Power of Summer series ran for seven weeks in July Top: and August alongside a Street Slave to the rhythm: celebrities at the bash Feast food festival between The included Grace Jones Power Station and the Thames. and Tom Daley. ——— The films were projected onto Rocket man: a high definition LED screen Sir Elton John at the piano. ——— mounted on the building, with Full support: A Sir Elton outdoor-cinema goers able to John fan himself, Tom Odell. follow the audio thanks to ——— state-of-the-art earphones. Flicking the switch: Films included Reservoir Dogs, As Rob Tincknell, Chief Executive of Battersea Get Carter and Rocky. Power Station Development Company put it: “The power Sited within the Pop Up Park, is definitely back on at the event also featured the Street Battersea Power Station.” Feast food festival – with traders ——— including Le Bun, Spit & Roast, Popdogs, Mama’s Jerk and Anna Maes – a partially covered area including a Prosecco and Oyster Bar.
48 issue 03 powerhouse parklife 49 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA THE VALUE OF VALUES
HOW DO YOU MAKE A PLACE?
Illustrations: Konstantinos Palaiologos
It’s a complex question, but one way is to stimulate speculation about the future, many of whom had a series of ideas, forged through workshops and practical experience of setting up markets, arts, discussions with key people, about what sorts of features cinemas and collaborative workspaces, or in activating and principles are the main ingredients needed. pop-up ventures, meanwhile uses and festivals. So that’s what the Battersea Power Station Following provocations and conversations, Development Company did, inviting a team from interactive workshops steered some of the issues and consultant JTP Cities, well known as placemakers how The Power Station masterplan might address and community planners, to curate and facilitate the them in more detail. All the material was captured Thinking Battersea series. in the ‘project bible’ and the constantly recurring There were eight sessions in all, half of them themes found their way into a ten point Manifesto, organised around traditional mixed use issues such as capturing the essence of The Power Station Place living, working, shopping and playing, with the other brand. This Manifesto is the BPSDC team’s way of four sessions taking a more lateral, non-spatial approach. nailing its colours to the mast and guiding the scheme’s These latter four involved looking at issues such as development over the next 20 years. It is summarised evolving, learning, connecting and branding. in the images and text on the following pages. Typically, these sessions began with a presentation of a research paper by JTP Cities, outlining key issues, followed by debates with chosen experts – academics and consultants involved in trendspotting and
50 issue 03 powerhouse the value of values 51 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
1_ NO DEFAULT Battersea Power Station is unique. As the centrepiece of the Nine Elms masterplan, it will create its own value landscape. To achieve this, we must adopt an innovative, integrated and highly collaborative mindset and then do everything possible to avoid the obvious. ——— 2_ BIG ADVENTURE The Power Station is intriguing. It makes people want to come and experience it for themselves We must build anticipation, exceed expectations, contradict the naysayers and let people be part of the adventure from the outset: they’re our best advocates. Let’s not disappoint them. ——— 3_ AN UNFOLDING STORY Battersea Power Station will take 20 years to create and must make sense as a place every step of the way. To evolve from a pioneer 1 2 community to a mature city quarter needs careful curatorship, giving each stage its own magnetism. ——— 4_ SYMBOLIC ACTION The reputation of Battersea Power Station is based on the principle that actions speak louder than words. To foster a profound sense of belief in the place brand, we must make symbolic actions that are generous, truthful and unmissable. ——— 5_ SHOWSTOPPER 5 As a destination, Battersea Power Station must offer a guaranteed good time. It’s not the West End, it’s the new Best End. People will come because there is a myriad of new, different and interesting things to experience all year round. ———
3 4
52 issue 03 powerhouse the value of values 53 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
6_ LIVEABLE & LOVEABLE To make this happen, Battersea Power Station contemporary culture will be a real place for and cutting-edge creatives real people to live, work must be accommodated at and play, not another every turn and lie at the dormitory development heart of every single on London’s riverfront. development decision. To be considered ‘home’ we It’s in its DNA. must make a neighbourhood where there are unparalleled 9_ THE GOOD LIFE opportunities for people to At Battersea Power Station, live life to the full and fulfill sustainability is a given. their lifetime ambitions. It must embrace all that is positive about low energy 7_ INDUSTRIAL MAGIC city living. Battersea Power Station Our job is to make it easy for is London’s quintessential people to change their habits industrial landmark, built to and live more sustainably last on a heroic scale. without compromising Its rawness and atmosphere their quality of life. are its authenticity and must drive aesthetic decisions 10_ MASSIVE ICON, throughout the design INTIMATE PLACE process, inside and out, Battersea Power Station from the word go. must come across as Lose this and you lose both a massive icon The Power Station. and an intimate place. The contrast between the two 8_ CULTURE, CULTURE, will define its special character CULTURE and make it memorable. By 2020, the name At one moment monumental Battersea Power Station and awe-inspiring, at the other will be synonymous with browsable and fine grain. 7 8 culture, innovation and It’s in a class of its own. creativity the world over.
6
9 10
54 issue 03 powerhouse the value of values 55 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
“ – PUBLIC Our goal from the start has been to create a neighbourhood that PROPERTY– connects into the historic fabric of the city of London, but one that has its own identity and integrity. We have tried to create humanistic environments that feel good to live in and visit.
As a new quarter of London, the 42 acre Battersea Power Station site includes a range of recreational uses, retail, green spaces, space for the arts and other public realm elements. A destination awaits…
ne of London’s great half a kilometre of new Thames building. Prospect Park will as cafés, bars and restaurants, for The Power Station site, creating appeals lies in its rich and pathway will be opened up to the create a strong connection culminating in a new square at “a new thoroughfare which will Ovaried public spaces. public, running along the northern between Nine Elms more widely the base of The Power Station. be at the heart of the new vibrant From community gardens to Royal hem of a new six acre riverside and the riverside, and will include community. We are determined Parks, urban escapes to riverside park. This park will be open to tree canopies along pathways, This square to the north of the to create a genuine sense of place.” walks – not to mention its streets visitors and residents and will be water features, a three-level Electric Boulevard and south and squares – the English capital easily accessible via a new gateway community hub designed by of The Power Station will also Frank Gehry, founder of Gehry can boast some of the world’s most being opened up beneath Chelsea Gehry Partners, and a 250 sq m be part of this rich mix of new Partners said: “Our goal from attractive and enriching spaces for Bridge, less than a minute from children’s playground. public spaces. With the feel of the start has been to create a people to take a walk, have a picnic, Battersea Park immediately to a European plaza, it will be a neighbourhood that connects into jog, cycle, play sport or socialise. the west. The Electric Boulevard, moreover, flexible public space surrounded the historic fabric of the city of Or, indeed, to put their feet up is the main, pedestrianised gateway by terraced seating to facilitate London, but one that has its own and simply have a quiet moment. Elsewhere throughout the to the entire 42 acre development, temporary events. identity and integrity. We have tried site, a series of new, carefully connecting the Northern Line to create humanistic environments Now, courtesy of the Battersea choreographed views and vistas Extension with The Power Station. Finally, work by 2012 Olympic that feel good to live in and visit.” Power Station redevelopment, they from local roads will be created This is effectively the area’s new Park designer, LDA Design, will have even more public spaces to present The Power Station in high street, running between the will include a new piazza at the Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey, said to add to that world-leading list, a new light for passing visitors. In Foster + Partners building on southern entrance to The Power that he hopes that the plans will with a series of destination spaces addition to the rooftop gardens the west and the Gehry Partners Station and the creation of a put Battersea on the world stage that have been designed to be all on the Foster + Partners designed buildings to the east, which make reflective pool around its base. once again. “The plans for a new building, which will allow stunning high street for the capital show that of the above – and more. up Phase 3. It will feature an array Chief Executive Officer of views all over London, Prospect London continues to attract the of exciting and different retail Battersea Power Station The first element of this new public Park is a new lung of public space best in terms of architecture, design ventures, with double height units Development Company, Rob realm for London starts at the to the south of The Power Station and innovation.” to the east and two floors of retail Tincknell, said that Phase 3 is banks of the Thames, where nearly and east of the Gehry Partners’ units to the western side, as well an important part of the plans
56 issue 03 powerhouse public property 57 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
LIVING ARCHITECTURE
THE CREDO ‘FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION’ CARRIES WITH IT THE SUGGESTION THAT DESIGN AND DETAIL ARE ULTIMATELY SUBORDINATE TO THE END PURPOSE FOR WHICH AN OBJECT IS CREATED. WE LOOK AT SOME HOUSEHOLD ITEMS DESIGNED BY FOSTER + PARTNERS AND FRANK GEHRY, TO SEE HOW EVERYDAY ITEMS ARE AS MUCH ABOUT ART AS THEY ARE ABOUT PURPOSE.
Knoll Face Off Table by Frank Gehry, 1989-92
58 issue 03 powerhouse living architecture 59 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: MOLTENI & C ARC TABLE Foster + Partners, 2010 ——— FISH LAMP Frank Gehry, 1984-86 ——— CROSS CHECK™ CHAIR Frank Gehry, 1990 ——— MOLTENI & C TESO TABLE Foster + Partners, 2013 ——— PUZZ Frank Gehry, 2013 ———
60 issue 03 powerhouse living architecture 61 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA
LEFT AND BOTTOM LEFT: WALTER KNOLL FOSTER 503 SOFA Foster + Partners, 2002 ——— STALKING BEAR BRONZE SCULPTURE Frank Gehry, 1972 ———
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: GEHRY OUTDOOR COLLECTION Frank Gehry, 2004 ——— LUMINA FLO LIGHT Foster + Partners, 2011 ——— ALESSI TEAPOT Frank Gehry, 2013 ——— TRAPEX FT DOOR HANDLE Foster + Partners, 2004 ———
62 issue 03 powerhouse living architecture 63 START CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MASTERPLAN DESIGNS POWER VIEW GEHRY F+P FUTURE MILESTONES FASHION ZONE PARKLIFE VALUES PUBLIC LIVING BATTERSEA MY BATTERSEA
Georgia Siri, Sales Manager at Battersea Power Station, talks about what the area means to her, The Power Station’s pull and the developers’ mission to make it a great place for people to live.
have lived in south west London for the past be involved here? The view from the marketing Pink Floyd cover, it seems. Most of our clients 25 years and currently live in Brixton with suite I was working at on my previous job was arrive knowing and loving it already (with one Imy family, so I definitely consider myself actually of Battersea Power Station; I lost rare exception when a lady once asked me “is a local girl. I usually drive in to Battersea in count of the number of photographs I took that thing staying?”) but they usually leave the morning after dropping my children off at of the building in different light and weather with another level of excitement. When you school in Clapham. They can see the famous conditions and then, suddenly, one day, I was get close to this building you feel the kind of chimneys from their school; in fact The Power asked to come to work here. It was almost too Cathedral-esque majesty that it has. It grips Station was the first building my eldest son good to be true. people. It becomes overwhelmingly impressive, could identify in London when he was little. My route into new property sales has been the sheer scale of it, it’s just phenomenal. I drive in past the beautiful Battersea Park somewhat unconventional, having spent most And that’s our trump card. I always feel where, 20 years ago, I learnt to play tennis and of my career working as an actress. That said, slightly embarrassed that somehow we’re where is now the venue for many a family picnic quite a few actors actually do both as there’s operating in a bit of a micro-climate here, or trip to the huge adventure playground. some complementarity; it’s all about really because nothing can compete with this Being a London person, I think Battersea engaging and communicating with an audience building. Forget about anything else we’re Power Station is one of the city’s most (albeit a smaller one!) bringing here, the NLE, the famous architects, recognisable landmarks, something you So what is it about property that excites the public parks, etc, nobody has what we’ve associate the capital with. I spent my early me? It’s two-fold, really. I’m a big family person, got at the heart of it all and that gives us an childhood in the South of England, travelling so property for me is all about creating homes unfair advantage! Fortunately, however, the up to town by train on day trips with my and spaces that work for people. But I also did vision behind the project is as special as the grandmother. Whenever I spotted The Power an arts degree so I have an eye for aesthetics building itself. The incredible group of people Station (which I called the upside down piano) too. I got involved in buying and doing up that have been pulled together here in order I knew we’d arrived in London. Fast forward 15 properties at a young age and developed a keen to make it happen is extraordinary. Which years and the sight of it had changed somewhat. eye for interiors, doing as much of the work is again all about the building; it has a pull, It had become this monolith, a sad edifice as possible myself between acting jobs. So which has drawn these people together. As a that sat there looking neglected and forlorn. ultimately being able to earn a living combining result, what is happening here is genuinely But despite the best efforts of a succession of two things I’ve become passionate about exciting and far from ordinary. In fact, I have owners, not to mention the weather, The Power is pretty peachy! However, selling property to apologise to our clients on a regular basis for Station just refused to capitulate - it’s a truly only really works for me because I don’t really sounding too evangelical; I keep saying “Oh, amazing building. There’s something resilient think I am actually selling. I just enthuse about and there’s another thing…and you’ll never about it and as a result for me it’s almost things I’m excited about and that doesn’t guess…and we’re doing this too…” become a symbol of strength. feel like selling. In the end, there’s nothing ordinary or Being such a massive fan of this building So now I’m here and part of what must conventional about this project and neither there was nothing more exciting than the idea be the most exciting development project will be the homes, shops, restaurants and of working on the project to bring it back to to have happened in London in decades and recreational space that we are creating. life. It was slightly terrifying, the sheer scale it’s all driven by this amazing building. It is I really believe that what’s coming here will and responsibility of it all, but really exciting constantly surprising to me how well known be as special as the building requires it to at the same time. I mean, who wouldn’t want to it is right across the world, primarily from the be – and that’s exciting.
64 issue 03 powerhouse