A cluster of buildings up to 4 floors high nestle between the pool and the salvation army hall. These provide a mix of housing, retail and business units with the intention of fostering a community atmosphere. Start up technology enterprises need relatively small space, but easy access to high speed networks. Establishing an internet exchange point, or M.A.E. (like mae-west in Silicon Valley) could encourage new Googles and Microsofts to grow here in archway!

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The core of Archway tower is retained. Cladding is removed, floors expanded and a skin is constructed using the latest engineering materials and techniques to maximise energy efficiency. The lower floors are adapted to accomodate the tube, post office and other retail units. The upper floors are designed to be completely adaptable, so successive clients can adjust space to need using modular systems. The majority of the site, including the base of the new tower, is reoriented to align with surrounding streets.

The visual architecture, whilst important, is not the point.. What counts are the activities that the development both enables and encourages. Archway could be an enterprise incubator, providing opportunity for small technology and new media start ups to grow..