paving , bold ‘ warehouse signage ’ and ‘ street lighting ’. The vast extractor fans at high level at both street ends are consciously expressed in keeping with the language of the design .
The technology and structure of the building is expressed in the design aesthetic and not hidden from the public eye . In No . 5 Silo the construction and technological elements are also openly expressed . Brick and block walls and concrete pillars are left in their natural state and un-clad and unrendered within the public space . Once you move away from the public spaces the finishes become more refined and controlled to accommodate requirements of the corporate tenants .
The retention of raw finishes placed additional pressure on WBHO to ensure that the poured
concrete shuttering and brickwork was of a high end finish . In the case of the PwC interior design , an effort was made to echo the natural finishes of the public space through the decision to leave the circular structural columns in their raw state throughout the design and expose the concrete wherever possible . The structure of the building is contrasted against the white or colourful rendered surfaces elsewhere in the office space .
A strong relationship between the architectural design team and the interior designers allowed the design of the building and the requirements of the client , PwC , to evolve simultaneously . For example , the early collaboration meant that PwC ’ s requirement for a reception area as part of the top floor space planning was incorporated into the structure . One of the bridges spanning the
438 No 5 Silo