Rothschild HQ

A bespoke building, designed for an owneroccupier (a renowned private bank, on the site since the 18th century) by a worldclass architect, Rem Koolhaas of OMA: the combination should produce something of outstanding quality. This will be Koolhaas's first completed building in Britain. But there was certain to be an element of controversy about this project, given its location at the very heart of the City of London, in a conservation area, with the Grade I listed church of St Stephen Walbrook, sometimes described as Wren's finest work, immediately to the west and the Mansion House yards beyond. Koolhaas's building, a mid-rise tower, replaces an unlisted 1960s block, the demolition of which proved uncontroversial.

The issue was whether a building somewhat taller than its predecessor could be permitted on the highly sensitive site. Planning officers were positive in their response to the proposals, seeking to encourage outstanding design in the City, but there was uncertainty about the attitude of members of the planning committee. Support from St Stephen's was helpful and the members were won over, accepting that the building could be a masterpiece. One condition of planning consent was that Koolhaas be closely involved in seeing the project to fruition, with the large London practice of Allies & Morrison acting as executive architect.