33-35 Hoxton Square is an exciting addition to the eclectic character of this London square. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the concept is based on the idea of a prism. The building seeks to respond to and manipulate daylight and views while the form is composed of interwoven planes that respect neighbor’s need for access to natural light, controlling light and views between the interior and exterior.

The new structure replaces two existing buildings with 3000 sqm of new space that houses a two level gallery, commercial office spaces and eight residential flats on a site locate within the South Shoreditch Conservation Area. The form is playful and vivid, bringing new and fresh spirit to the neighborhood. The façade is clad in blasted aluminum and clear glass.

The building invites in – it creates a relationship between the ground floor gallery and Hoxton Square, therefore engaging the public. The frontage carves into the interior of the gallery, spatially connecting the ground floor, basement, lower front and upper front areas. The balustrade around the front area also serves as seating – an element that penetrates into the building itself and an amenity that invites and attracts the public inside.

The proposal is subject to some key constraints such as planning policy, statues and easements. The designation of the Conservation Area, the presence of adjacent listed building and the sunlight and daylight considerations present some constraints on the planning and design of the proposals.

Although the area does not have a strong cohesive architectural character, the buildings around the square do not generally exceed approximately 20 m in height. In the wider South Shoreditch area there are however, taller buildings. The configuration of the site also poses conditions that the design must deal with.