![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=bc7b0e1c1e06f3d25ebc0e851d69771b 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=5b0ed3befccf58fb146fe8d086ae0bdb 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=ed5c4bc091c575b49afc6817fada921f 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=c7fe90b657767bf92c70bb9ae4169606 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=ef72568484b22f6d08a7b7ff220666eb 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1067&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=d86802ea792218b33cd5c6c0f8b4e781 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-7.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=dd100f75de5a48d52267ec57965285a1 1920w)
The pavilion, which will be run by local social enterprise Kahaila as a café and multi-functional community space, sits proudly in this new landscape, delivering a public amenity as well as improving the connection between the two distinctive listed heritage buildings that sit either side of the new square: the St Botolph without Aldgate church and Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=070a2c47ddc19ea1dc7ef7848f347e5f 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=fd9b03cb86e972b3fbac72edfa75eebf 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=7643410a07c4bf9dda7e93a1e60e8e1e 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=bc86ddada465549430c420b8009c017d 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=bd96eec6668d877c838fca549819c05c 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1067&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=c9bac3ce4bdb812e5bedc429fb3eda8f 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-5.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=bb8ee0fb89507d6762ac3eb18c90e3b9 1920w)
It is the second in a series of pavilions planned by the City Of London Corporation and was required to have an aesthetic relationship with the first, RIBA Award-winning pavilion, the City of London Information Centre adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral, which was completed by Make in 2008.
Sarah Shuttleworth project architect said: “The final scheme is beautiful – distinctive, yet respectful of the heritage architecture surrounding it. It provides a bespoke civic amenity and the ambition and determination of the City of London Corporation to persist and deliver the square and the pavilion – despite the challenges – in order to transform this parcel of London for the benefit of the local community, should be applauded.”
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=07a9f04be3a6d37d945cb9ac42f7da4b 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=ced0b6e392cb58669e17a24be876c439 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=9f768e167ea47c4878ffbc606cc21953 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=fcb9ddc0865fa6f24fca948500c2b2a9 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=934&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=cd59c5dfda538d7cad94716bced6036d 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1067&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=be47d8a6daa32b27dafdb944b47fa718 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-17.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1281&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=2e94219ddea73db95e3d5c8d9b38803f 1920w)
Chris Hayward, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to see a gyratory which reflected 1960s traffic planning, brought into the 21st century. With the imminent arrival of the Elizabeth line, it is the number-one priority that our infrastructure is fit for purpose. More than ever we are seeing businesses focusing on local amenities and making location decisions based on the quality of public realm that they can offer their employees. The completion of the square marks a step change to the area, demonstrating to investors that they should continue to commit to the City’s world class public realm.These were ambitious plans but it is only right that we deliver a healthy, inclusive environment for the diverse residents, school children, visitors and workers in Europe’s leading business district.”
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=168&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=4cdb2d93381a5b674f8c39d64b2b9765 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=336&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=9a64c1d7f7323c899989cea5f24db7d0 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=614&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=ee767ae7485614655d4c9c613a20d30b 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=819&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=7122502947a0c68aeea603227f77f7e1 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1120&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=80a8101665a046b0329b462bd3ced829 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=8b6f45c2cc9f0c0d5b3bd224004fa3dd 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-3.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1536&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=376211b9a0bd1b268dfe611101c8afff 1920w)
This latest pavilion picks up on the asymmetrical angles of the City of London Information Centre with an angular structure that folds down to meet the ground at just three triangular support points, with glazing in between. Corten cladding panels form a rigid structural skin covering the pavilion and create a faceted surface that reduces the overall profile of the pavilion and provides its character. The channels created by the layered cladding are also functional, allowing the rainwater to run down them into discreet drains located where the steel meets the Yorkstone paving. The warm tones of the weathered steel chime with the brown brick of the Grade I-listed church and the red brick Grade II-listed primary school. Over time the steel will darken and provide an earthy, complementary counterpoint.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-15.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=866943f8bc303489279c34f6dd69cc3d 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-15.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=630&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=4646e1e69193f95f22e7f84bc8f14c14 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-15.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1151&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=e88e63788e745dcb94fa1d3cbff50132 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-15.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1535&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=ee361520403db86bf4e5018e21ab35f8 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-15.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2099&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=cd28d9cded422676b22f0fbee1909c75 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-15.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2399&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=c4f5ee763823abe12a6f6bd99287926c 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F08%2FPortsokenPavilion-Make-15.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2879&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=102988a1656b1bc24d942cee14df30d8 1920w)
Designed parametrically, the pavilion’s form has been carefully designed with respect to key pedestrian approaches to the new square. As such, it has no backside, and its three glazed elevations face Duke’s Place to the north-west, Houndsditch and St Botolph Street to the north-east, and the new square and Aldgate High Street to the south. These elevations provide clear views into and through the structure and deliver natural surveillance, as well as entrances into the pavilion on all sides.
Internally the bands of the cladding are mimicked on the soffit, with layered geometric white laminate timber panels, which have punched slots to aid the acoustics and add drama when up-lit at night, providing a glowing effect to the whole building. Two large asymmetrical rooflights sit over the central counter to draw light into the building. Outside, the roof overhangs the glazed doors on all sides to allow seating to spill out and provide a seamless transition between inside and outside. It is designed to be as flexible as possible and become a real hub for the community – a space that could work as a café, for exhibitions, for community meetings.
The 325 sq m building is a single storey above-ground but has utilised part of the former subways to accommodate a basement level for plant, back-of-house facilities, kitchens and toilets, this has significantly reduced the quantity of land that was needed above ground and therefore delivered more public space for the gardens.
The constant temperature of the concrete tunnels also work to help regulate the temperature of the building, air is drawn through the tunnels and up into the café, heating in the winter or cooling in the summer. The large overhangs on the roof were also atuned to the orientation of the sun and provide solar shading to the interior at peak times of the day.
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The entire structure was pre-fabricated off-site by Littlehampton Welding and then taken apart and allowed to rust while the site was prepared by contractor Kier. It was brought into site in pieces and reassembled and welded in situ. After the structure was in place and all the on-site structural welds complete, the underside of the steelwork that would form the internal space was sprayed with 150mm of insulation to minimise heat loss and remove the possibility of condensation forming on the internal face of the steelwork.