The US practice, which has a London office, is seeking permission for a ‘modernisation and expansion’ of Sidell Gibson Architects’ 20-year-old 140 Aldersgate.
The scheme for JP Morgan Asset Management involves demolishing elements of the 2005 building and adding two new storeys along with a terrace and large reception.
It would have eight office floors, along with retail and reception space straddling its ground level and basement. Plant would be housed beneath this and on the roof.
The extended building would be just over 4m taller than its current height and provide more than 12,800m² of internal floorspace compared with around 11,700m² in the existing block.
Gensler said its proposals would deliver ‘contemporary grade A workspace’ as well as improving ‘entry experience’ and promoting sustainability, biodiversity and terrace amenity.
Describing the Sidell Gibson structure, Gensler said: ‘Architecturally, the building is very much of its time, with a robust structural frame and clear primary frontage that reflect early 2000s commercial design values.
‘While changing occupier expectations and regulatory frameworks relating to energy consumption now demand higher standards of amenity, sustainability and experiential quality, the fundamental bones of the building remain in good order and make it suitable for a retrofit development.’
Gensler proposals for 140 Aldersgate – flow sketch
Source: Gensler planning documents
Gensler is proposing a new ground-floor frontage ‘pushed out’ from the existing façade line to ‘engage with and activate’ Aldersgate.
It added that a change of colour provided by proposed aluminium detailing for the external retail elements would add contrast and ‘complement the existing stone façade, as well as unifying the ground floor with the new massing at levels seven and eight’.
Gensler said JP Morgan would work with future retail tenants to ensure their signage was ‘carefully controlled and aligned with the overarching design intent’.