New London Architecture (NLA) was launched in 2005 with an exhibition called The Changing Face of London which explored the plans for a number of opportunity areas and major projects.
Since then London has experienced an astonishing level of change and growth. In this exhibition at the City Centre we focus on an area that has changed dramatically over the last 15 years; the City of London and specifically the ‘City Cluster’ of tall buildings.
The City of London has experienced great changes during the past two decades and several key themes can be identified. These include: growth in jobs and floorspace; growth in the City’s business and cultural links with neighbouring areas; an increase in tall buildings, including consolidation of the City Cluster; a greater range of retail and leisure activities; more space for pedestrians at street level and upper levels including green roofs; increased cycling and walking; and technological shifts driving changes in business models and working practices.
The exhibition showcases some of the exceptional developments that have taken place in the City over the past 16 years, from the opening of the iconic ‘Gherkin’ or 30 St Mary Axe back in 2004 to the brand new 22 Bishopsgate, the City’s first ‘vertical village’. A time line of the significant developments is also included to highlight just how much has changed and how the City Corporation continues to develop initiatives to grow, diversify and support the businesses that inhabit the Square Mile.
COVID-19 Safety precautions
Customer safety is our priority. The exhibition is open to all with Covid-19 health precautions in place including one-way direction flow, mandatory use of masks indoors and signs reinforcing 2m social distancing, enabling visitors to keep safely apart.