What Is 22 Bishopsgate

Overview

22 Bishopsgate is a prominent skyscraper located in the heart of London’s financial district. Rising 278 meters (912 feet) above the city, it was completed in 2020 and stands as the second-tallest building in the United Kingdom, surpassed only by The Shard.

The tower was developed by AXA IM – Real Assets and designed by architect PLP Architecture. It serves primarily as a high-specification office building, housing major financial and professional services firms.

• Height: The building reaches 278 meters (912 feet), making it the tallest in the City of London and second-tallest in the UK.
• Floors: It has 62 habitable storeys, with a total of 1.2 million square feet of commercial space.
• Construction timeline: Excavation began in 2015, and the structure topped out in 2019, with full completion in 2020.
• Design: The tower features a sleek, tapering form with a diagrid structural system that enhances stability and reduces internal columns.
• Sustainability: It achieved a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, incorporating energy-efficient systems and low-carbon technologies.

How It Works

The functionality of 22 Bishopsgate revolves around its innovative engineering and tenant-focused amenities. Designed for efficiency and comfort, the building integrates advanced systems to support modern office demands.

• Diagrid Structure: The exterior steel frame uses a diagonal grid pattern, reducing the need for internal supports and allowing flexible floor layouts. This system also improves wind resistance.
• Elevator System: The tower features double-decker lifts with sky lobbies on Levels 24 and 45, reducing travel time and optimizing vertical transport for over 12,000 daily occupants.
• Energy Efficiency: The building uses a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, reducing carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to standard office towers.
• Smart Building Tech: Integrated building management systems monitor lighting, HVAC, and security in real time, enhancing operational efficiency and user comfort.
• Water Recycling: Rainwater harvesting and greywater systems reduce potable water use by approximately 50% across the building.
• Occupant Experience: Features include a multi-level sky garden on Level 57, wellness zones, and a 1,500-seat auditorium for events and conferences.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how 22 Bishopsgate compares to other major UK skyscrapers:

While 22 Bishopsgate is shorter than The Shard, it surpasses older financial district towers like One Canada Square in both height and modern sustainability standards. Its 2020 completion date ensures it incorporates the latest in smart building technology and occupant wellness features, setting a new benchmark for office towers in the UK.

Why It Matters

22 Bishopsgate represents a shift in how commercial skyscrapers are designed and utilized in major cities. It combines architectural ambition with environmental responsibility and user-centric design, influencing future developments in urban centers.

• Urban Regeneration: The tower revitalized a key site in the City of London, contributing to economic growth and modernizing the district’s skyline.
• Sustainability Leadership: Its BREEAM 'Excellent' rating sets a precedent for low-carbon high-rise construction in densely populated areas.
• Workplace Innovation: The inclusion of wellness floors and sky gardens reflects evolving expectations for employee health and productivity.
• Transport Efficiency: Proximity to Liverpool Street Station and optimized lift systems reduce congestion and commute times.
• Global Benchmark: The building attracts multinational firms seeking state-of-the-art office space in Europe’s financial capital.
• Resilience Design: Advanced fire safety and structural systems ensure long-term safety and operational continuity in a high-density environment.

As cities grow vertically, 22 Bishopsgate demonstrates how modern skyscrapers can balance scale, sustainability, and human experience—making it a model for future urban development.