LC SmartGlass @ The East Wintergarden Canary Wharf, London

Date: 22 June 2011

Canary Wharf, located at the West India Docks in the Borough of Tower Hamlets in East London, is home to the European headquarters of numerous major banks, professional services firms and media organizations including Barclays, Citigroup, Clifford Chance, HSBC, State Street, KPMG, Skadden and Thomson Reuters.

The East Wintergarden Venue is situated in the heart of Canary Wharf. This modern and stylish venue, designed by Cesar Pelli and based on the Wintergardens in New York, boasts 682 square meters of colored marble floor and steamed beech wood paneling and can accommodate up to 500 for banqueting and 800-1000 for receptions. The venue was created to hold receptions of both small and large sizes from fashion shows to products launches.

Client: Canary Wharf Plc.

Contractor: Permasteelisa Project

Location: Canary Wharf, London

Date of Completion: June 2011

The main feature of the venue is the impressive arched glass atrium which measures 27 meters at its highest point. The gallery, suspended above the main floor, can accommodate up to 120 guests seated and 250 for a reception type event. The gallery makes a great alternative space for smaller functions and drinks receptions where guests can still enjoy the striking architecture of the East Wintergarden.

LC SmartGlass was specified for this project to allow instant and precise privacy control when an event is taking place. A switchable glass product was the ideal solution to tie in with the minimalist design of the East Wintergarden and the theme of a “transparent venue”.

LC SmartGlass toughened panels were installed within the three revolving centre doors and double doors either side of the venue entrance.

All LC SmartGlass panels are bespoke manufactured using a lamination process which encapsulates a PDLC film between 2 or more glass sheets. Using a minute electrical current, users can immediately switch the LC SmartGlass from clear to private (opaque) and vice versa.

A total of 22 LC SmartGlass toughened panels make up the front entrance, 6 of which are curved panels that make up the three revolving doorways at the centre of the entrance.

SmartGlass International was approached by Permasteelisa, a contractor for Canary Wharf PLC. as they wanted to create a modern, minimalistic entrance to the venue whilst also allowing for privacy during particular events. LC SmartGlass proved the ideal solution to match the design brief where the glass entrance facade measuring over three meters in height could be switched from clear to opaque instantly at the flick of a switch when needed, allowing for privacy without the use of blinds or curtains.

As many receptions/events at the East Wintergarden would be held during the daytime, curtains or blinds were not an option as daylight entering the building would be compromised significantly.

LC SmartGlass eliminates this problem in that it allows 67% of incident light to pass through the glass even when it is switched to its private/opaque state.

The SmartGlass is controlled by a series of switches controlling each door individually so that privacy can be controlled depending on the type of event/reception. For instance, the double doors can be private and the revolving doors left in their clear state.

LC SmartGlass when in it’s “off”, private state, also works as a high contrast rear projection screen. Event organizers can project images onto the SmartGlass facade which can be seen from the street outside making it possible to place branding onto the facade temporarily, creating an ideal surface for use within an events venue where branding and promotion are key.

SmartGlass International is delighted to be part of this prestigious project in the heart of London’s financial district.

For more SmartGlass project case studies please visit our website: www.smartglassinternational.com