The arcade sits asymmetrically in the building’s long elevation, defining the massing principles of the elevation and providing access to the office reception and to a ground floor restaurant with views into a glazed central atrium. Careful engineering of the glazed elevations to the north and south facades strikes a balance between the fire strategy, solar gain, a strong contemporary appearance and the desire to make the most out of a cost-effective glazing system.
A fully glazed internal atrium allows the elevations to balance the desire for full height glazing with protected areas for spread of flame. Glazing patternation varies between the east and west blocks, responding to the massing and urban context. Patterns of fritted and clear glass on the east block enliven the urban square, whilst more rigorous vertical arrangements respond to the formality of adjoining buildings.
At night each of the fritted panels is illuminated to provide a glowing backdrop to Forbury Square. The building completed in 2003, and client the Argent Group named the building after Ian Davidson.