Aerial view of "The Crystal", a sustainable cities initiative by Siemens, at the Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Docks, Newham, London


The Crystal in London is home to the world's largest exhibition on the future of cities, as well as one of the world's most sustainable buildings and events venues. Designed by award winning architects Wilkinson Eyre, this iconic sustainable building draws inspiration from the many sides of a crystal. The external shape of the building creates unique internal spaces, including an auditorium, conference facilities, meeting rooms and office spaces. With its waterside location on London’s Royal Docks, the Crystal architecture provides a striking contrast to the surrounding skyline, the O₂, Canary Wharf and the Emirates Airline Cable Car that passes by. The Crystal is an all-electric building that uses solar power and a ground source heat pump to generate its own energy. It showcases state-of-the-art technologies to make buildings more efficient and also profiles Siemens’ Environmental Portfolio. The building incorporates rainwater harvesting, black water treatment, solar heating and automated building management systems. The Crystal exhibition features interactive exhibits, films, and animations, allowing visitors to explore a range of issues including city trends, urban planning, smart buildings, safety and security, energy, water, healthy lifestyles, environment, and mobility. The urban planning exhibition also features case studies from cities around the world sharing innovative ideas, and the ‘Future Life’ theatre invites you to imagine how cities might look in 2050.


Size: 5355px × 3258px
Location: Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London E16 1AL, UK
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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