Even the top of the building will be open to visitors who by ascending the helical ramp can then enjoy a spectacular view of the city and catch an unofficial glimpse inside the offices. All of course at the service of the citizens who here can mix with members of the government in the open air amphitheatre, the underground cafe or the eliptical space for temporary exhibitions. Its architecture is also strongly evocative and with its glazed exterior embodies the notion of the transparency of a modern democracy. Foster is also behind the masterplan which following years of neglect has given new life to the south side of the Thames “bringing visitors into close proximity with the workings of democratic process”. It is a “highly public building” emphasises its designer, Lord Foster – at a cost of 43 million pounds. The only thing lacking now is the official blessing of the Her Majesty the Queen, who on 23 July will open the building. The building, entirely glazed, with 12,000 square metres of floorspace spread over ten storeys, is now home of the mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, the 25 members of the London Assembly and a staff of 500. 1136.Built in just 30 months, the new headquarters of the Greater London Authority which has radically changed the city skyline along the banks of the Thames between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, is finally ready. In: Detail - Zeitschrift für Architektur + Baudetail, v.
Gabriel, Andreas (2002): Die Arbeitsweise von Foster und Partner - ein Interview mit Ken Shuttleworth und Max Neal / Foster and Partners' Working Methods - An Interview with Ken Shuttelworth and Max Neal.
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