Google’s Platform 37: A New AI Hub in King’s Cross, London
Google has officially named its £1 billion King’s Cross office building “Platform 37,” signaling a significant investment in its London operations and a commitment to artificial intelligence research and development. The building, designed in collaboration with Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels, is set to welcome staff this summer.
A Nod to AI History: The Significance of “Move 37”
The name “Platform 37” is a deliberate reference to both the building’s location adjacent to King’s Cross railway station and a pivotal moment in AI history: “Move 37” in the historic computer Go match. In 2016, Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo program made an unconventional move – Move 37 – that initially baffled human experts but ultimately proved crucial to its victory against Lee Sedol, a world champion Go player. This victory marked a turning point in the field of AI and spurred further advancements in the technology. As Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind Co-Founder & CEO, explained, the move was initially perceived as a mistake, but ultimately enabled AlphaGo to win, catalyzing modern AI research.
The AI Exchange: A Public Space for AI Education
Central to Platform 37 will be “The AI Exchange,” a public space dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence. Google plans to host a variety of free, AI-related educational programs, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events at this location, making AI accessible to the wider community.
Building Features and Sustainability
The 11-story building will accommodate 4,000 Google employees and boasts a range of amenities, including a 25-meter swimming pool on the ninth floor and a multi-use games area (Muga) for sports like basketball, five-a-side football, and tennis. Platform 37 is Google’s first wholly-owned and designed building outside of the United States.
Google emphasizes the building’s commitment to sustainability, utilizing low-carbon construction materials and prioritizing energy efficiency. The architectural design incorporates an innovative “hung” structure, creating a flexible, column-free interior workspace adaptable to the needs of Google’s teams. The building features a densely planted rooftop garden, created in collaboration with the London Wildlife Trust and the borough of Camden, designed to enhance local biodiversity and provide views of London.
Location and Dimensions
Platform 37 is located in King’s Cross, a district within the London boroughs of Camden and Islington [1]. At 330 meters in length, the building surpasses the height of The Shard, currently the UK’s tallest building.
Teams Moving In
Google DeepMind and other Google teams, including AI researchers, engineers, and ethicists, will begin relocating to Platform 37 this summer.
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