Google has announced that their landmark King’s Cross office in London designed by Heatherwick Studio with BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) will be called Platform 37, with the first occupants set to move in this summer. 

In a blog published today, Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind Co-Founder & CEO, has also confirmed that the building will be home to the AI Exchange, a new public space on the ground floor dedicated to deepening understanding of artificial intelligence through free educational programming, interactive exhibitions and cultural events.

“The name is a nod to the building’s location next to King’s Cross station and to Move 37, a pivotal play made by DeepMind’s AI system AlphaGo in a now-legendary 2016 match against Go world champion Lee Sae Do,” said Demis, “which heralded the beginning of what is now recognised as the modern era in AI, and catalysed our work using AI to tackle scientific problems.”

Architecturally, the hung structure of Platform 37 creates an incredible column-free interior. With its triple height ceilings, the workspace is designed to bring people together and create opportunities for chance encounters. Externally, the panoramic sculpted roof garden offers stunning views of the city and Google has collaborated with the London Wildlife Trust and the borough of Camden to ensure the dense planting serves as a rich habitat for biodiversity. 

At the ground level, the street will come alive in unexpected ways. The mass of the building is lifted two storeys to allow a family of different smaller timber units underneath that create variety and fascination at a human scale. This will open up a soulful street, with shops, hospitality and community spaces.