The Gherkin – Swiss Re – London – Textile wall panel system

4.B.-THE-GHERKIN4.A.-THE-GHERKIN22.-THE-GHERKIN61.-THE-GHERKINOn the top two floors of one of London’s most spectacular buildings, the Gherkin, Swiss Re, it was Art Andersen’s task for the architectural firm, Foster + Partners, to develop a wall system which allows a completely free and flexible plan, a surface of high aesthetic value, optimum acoustic properties with great cushioning – and hidden air flow and displacement ventilation.

The result is a unique, self-tensioning, fabric-covered aluminium panel system that allows varying of the spacing.

The textile panel system emphasizes the building’s organic cucumber shape and allows for hidden installation of control panels, signage, etc. At the same time the wall system allows rapid installation and dismantling.