Google is poised to commence its long-awaited relocation into the £1 billion European headquarters at King's Cross in London this summer, following multiple delays that pushed back the original 2024 move-in date. The tech behemoth has announced the site will be officially named Platform 37, a nod to its proximity to King's Cross station and a seminal moment in artificial intelligence research.
Delayed Move and Landscraper Design
The US technology giant confirmed that Google and DeepMind artificial intelligence specialists will start transitioning to the distinctive "landscraper" building over the coming months. Construction on the project formally began in 2018, but the move was postponed due to various issues, including reported contractor challenges.
Dubbed a landscraper because it stretches an impressive 330 metres in length—surpassing the height of the Shard—the structure stands 72 metres tall with up to 11 storeys at its peak. This design, by renowned architects Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels, features a unique "hung" structure with floors suspended rather than attached to the building's sides, enhancing natural light and spatial openness.
AI Inspiration and Public Engagement
The name Platform 37 draws inspiration from Move 37, a critical play made by DeepMind's AI system AlphaGo during its match against world champion Go player Lee Sae Dol, symbolising a breakthrough in AI capabilities. In a blog post, Sir Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind co-founder and CEO, described the building as the company's "most ambitious and innovative to date," envisioning it as a "monument to science and intelligence" where multidisciplinary teams will collaborate on future AI advancements.
Google also unveiled plans for The AI Exchange, a ground-floor public space dedicated to fostering AI understanding. This initiative will offer free educational programming, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events, allowing visitors to engage with a wide array of AI-related topics. Hassabis emphasised that this space aims to "deepen the understanding of AI" and contribute to building a better future through artificial general intelligence.
Sustainability and Community Integration
The building's rooftop garden, developed in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust and Camden borough, is densely planted to support local biodiversity and serve as a habitat for wildlife. This eco-friendly feature underscores Google's commitment to sustainability and community integration in the King's Cross area.
As Google prepares to occupy Platform 37, the move marks a significant milestone in London's tech landscape, positioning the city as a hub for AI innovation and collaboration. The delayed transition now sets the stage for a summer of new beginnings, with the firm aiming to pioneer world-changing breakthroughs from this iconic London base.
