The Google London headquarters, a masterpiece of innovation and nature is born at Platform 37.officially named Platform 37, is a breathtaking architectural achievement that has redefined the skyline of King’s Cross. Known affectionately as the “landscraper,” this 330-metre long marvel is longer than The Shard is tall, stretching horizontally as a symbol of connectivity and grounded innovation. Designed by the visionary teams at Heatherwick Studio and Bjarke Ingels Group, the building stands as Google’s first wholly owned and designed campus outside the United States. Its unique “hung” structure creates vast, column-free interior spaces, allowing for a fluid and creative work environment that mirrors the fast-paced evolution of the digital world.
At the heart of Platform 37 is a profound commitment to wellness and the natural environment, featuring a 300-metre landscaped rooftop garden that serves as a sanctuary in the sky. This “park in the clouds” is home to over 200 trees and thousands of plants, providing a lush habitat for local biodiversity while offering employees a spectacular running track and panoramic views of the London cityscape. The integration of nature continues within the building’s walls, where staff have access to a 25-metre swimming pool, multi-use sports halls, and tranquil wellness centers, ensuring that the pursuit of technological breakthrough is always balanced with physical and mental rejuvenation.
The ground floor of this monumental structure is designed to be an inviting bridge between the tech giant and the local community through the revolutionary AI Exchange. This public-facing space is dedicated to deepening the global understanding of artificial intelligence, offering free educational programming, interactive exhibitions, and vibrant cultural events. By opening its doors to the public, Google has transformed its headquarters into a shared resource for discovery, inviting students, creators, and curious minds to explore the future of technology in a space that feels both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in the historic character of London’s railway heritage.
Historically, the name Platform 37 is a poetic tribute to both the building’s location adjacent to the iconic King’s Cross station and a landmark moment in AI history—the 37th move in the 2016 match between AlphaGo and Lee Sedol. This blend of local history and global scientific achievement is reflected in the building’s materials, which include low-carbon timber and energy-efficient glass systems. As the new home for thousands of employees, including the brilliant minds of Google DeepMind, the campus serves as a motivating beacon for the UK’s Knowledge Quarter, proving that sustainable design and industrial heritage can coexist in perfect, modern harmony.
As the doors officially open in the summer of 2026, Platform 37 stands as an uplifting testament to what can be achieved when imagination is given the space to roam. It is more than just an office; it is a piece of living infrastructure that celebrates the spirit of London while pushing the boundaries of global workplace design. Whether you are walking past its striking timber-clad facade or attending a workshop at the AI Exchange, the energy of the campus is undeniably inspiring. It invites us all to dream bigger, work smarter, and remember that the most significant leaps forward often happen when we build bridges between our technology and our natural world.
Joe Borrett, Director of Real Estate & Construction, said:
“We are excited to be able to bring our London Googlers together in one place, with a new purpose-built building that we’ve developed from the ground up. Our offices and facilities play a key part in shaping the Google culture, which is one of the reasons we are known for being amongst the best places to work in the industry.”
Thomas Heatherwick, Founder of Heatherwick Studio, who jointly designed the new building, said:
“As my home and the home of my studio for more than 15 years, I have a close relationship with King’s Cross. The area is a fascinating collision of diverse building types and spaces and I can’t help but love this mix of massive railway stations, roads, canals and other infrastructure all layered up into the most connected point in London.”“Influenced by these surroundings, we have treated this new building for Google like a piece of infrastructure too, made from a family of interchangeable elements which ensure that the building and its workspace will stay flexible for years to come”.
Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner at Bjarke Ingels Group, joint architect of Google’s new building, noted:
“Our design for the new Google Place at King’s Cross is rooted in the local character of the area, taking advantage of the contextually defined building envelope while creating continuously cascading work environments that will connect Googlers across multiple floors. By opening up the ground floor and activating the roofscape, the light and airy workspaces are sandwiched between the terraced gardens on the roof – and market halls, auditoria and shops on the ground.”
Roly Keating, Chair of the Knowledge Quarter said:
“Google has supported the Knowledge Quarter vision from the beginning and it will be a pleasure to welcome them into their new headquarters building at the heart of the neighbourhood. The arrival of thousands of Googlers mixing with scientists, archivists, academics and students will accelerate the incredible breadth of innovation taking place in this unique part of London. We are delighted to see plans taking shape which will strengthen the Knowledge Quarter as a world-class centre for research and creativity.”
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