201 Bishopsgate is in the heart of the City of London. This prestigious location is a new multi-occupancy high rise and is now home to Henderson Global Investors.

The architects, Pringle Brandon approached Scriptus to work with them on the development of illuminated columns for the main open plan offices.

The resulting displays comprised two sections encasing three sides of the wall columns. The top section holds posters providing both branding information for the staff as well as decorative displays. The bottom section is a decorative light source.

In total we designed and installed 69 columns, each with subtle variations. Producing and fitting such a large number of columns led to some interesting challenges, not least in lift sharing with all the other contractors on site.

In addition to the illuminated columns we also designed and built 4 illuminated walls for branding displays at key points throughout the offices.

To recognise the innovation and design that 201 Bishopsgate has demonstrated it has won a British Council for Offices award for the London and South East region. The BCO awards provide public recognition for top quality design and functionality and a benchmark for excellence in workplaces. This regional award means that 201 Bishopgates goes forward to the national awards.

Technology

The columns are illuminated using Prismex edgelit panels. LED illumination is low maintenance, providing over 50000 hours of constant illumination (about 6 years if run 24/7). The Prismex panels provide bright even illumination, yet remain cold to the touch, a very positive factor in keeping tight control of the costs of running the air conditioning. The posters are held behind clear, formed panels and can be easily changed.

The illuminated branding walls also use Prismex edgelit technology.

Architect: Pringle Brandon, London
Main Contractor: Chorus Ltd