THE BUILDING
THE COMPETITION
In 2003, Land Securities launched a competition to find a world class architect. For one of London’s most prestigious developments. Someone with the extraordinary brilliance, shining talent and rare vision, to design a landmark that would respect its unique historical setting. To create a building of artistic integrity.
They found him in the internationally acclaimed French architect Jean Nouvel.
THE ARCHITECT: JEAN NOUVEL
Jean Nouvel is one of the world’s great modernist architects. A bold thinker for whom specificity is key – each design responding to a definite set of conditions including geographical, climatic, economical and cultural.
An innovator intrigued by a building’s ‘skin’ and a fascination with light in all its forms. Whose architecture is emotional, sensational and spectacular. Whose creations include the Arab World Institute and Cartier Foundation in Paris, the Lyon Opera House, the Dentsu Tower in Tokyo, the Agbar Tower in Barcelona, and the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.
Whose awards include the Gold Medal of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Gold Lion of the 7th Venice Bienniale, Best Building of the Year in France and the Grand Prix d’Architecture.
