W.R.Berkley London
52 Lime Street, also known as “The Scalpel”, is a striking new office tower in the heart of the City of London.
At 42 storeys, 52 Lime Street is a tall, yet sympathetic addition to the City cluster, designed with particular regard to distant and local views. Its simple geometric form is reinforced by partially reflective glass and bright metallic fold lines. Its form enabled improvements to the north-south route through the city block and the creation of a new public plaza, recalling Lime Street Square, which was lost in the 1940s, at the centre of a group of buildings that includes Lloyds of London and the Willis Building. The tower leans away from Leadenhall so as to be invisible behind the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral when approached from the west on Fleet Street, and the roofline falls away sharply to the south in recognition of the overall composition of the City cluster.
The provision of high-quality, modern and sustainable office space is appropriate for the building’s location in the heart of the City’s insurance district and supports the City’s position as one of the world’s leading international and business centres.
Status: Built
Location: London, GB
Firm Role: Architect
Additional Credits: Clients: WRBC Development, Property Group Partners
