99 Bishopsgate - Backlit glass entrance portal

We designed and installed a 6.5m wide x 5.5m high glass entrance portal, both inside and out and a 5m high glass column within the reception foyer. We also designed and installed all of the entrance glazing – incorporating 3.8m high glass doors so as to continue the lines of the existing curtain wall glazing on the building. The portal had to be fully self supporting and free standing, as no interface with the curtain walling and existing structure of the building was permitted. Each leaf of the portal is one piece of glass (the largest 7m x 1.4m), so as to give an uninterrupted even glow to the whole portal. The column has minimal supporting metalwork, giving a seamless floor to ceiling shaft of light to complement the portal and punctuate the entrance foyer. Interesting logistical challenges given the location on Bishopsgate and limited access and space to work in for installation, but we feel a clean and impressive result.