The Business of Design
John Robertson Architects (JRA) has completed the refurbishment of The Helicon, comprising some 11,600 sq m office and 9,000 sq m of retail, on the corner of Finsbury Pavement and South Place in the City of London. Originally designed by Sheppard Robson and completed in 1996, The Helicon helped to start the rejuvenation of Moorgate with its high-tech detailing and provision of substantial modern retail units. Around 40 per cent of the building is occupied by Marks and Spencer and HSBC, creating a strong presence at street level.
One feature of The Helicon’s high-tech architectural styling is the radiating glass drum at the corner. JRA created a high-quality entrance in the triple-height space as the focal point of the facade at the drum base. It also introduced a top-lit, full-height feature wall that uses deeply concave wall tiles to create a geometric relief pattern inspired by the drum, while new limestone flooring and improved lighting give the lobby a light, airy feel.
