The
new JTI Headquarters provides an open-plan workplace for 1,200 employees
of the company, which has been based in Switzerland for nearly 50 years, and
which is behind tobacco brands including Winston, Benson & Hedges
and Camel. Designed by SOM's London office,
the nine-story building was envisioned as a single clean shape, rather than
breaking the large structure down with different visual elements as would
often happen with a project of this size. Its angular form is the result of two
raised corners. These give the structure its tilted profiles,
and also lead through to the central courtyard, designed to provide a
place of retreat for both JTI employees and the surrounding community.
