The Crystal, a hub for dialogue on sustainable urban living and development opens in Royal Docks Enterprise Zone

Posted on 24 September 2012 · Posted in News

Royal Docks Enterprise Zone demonstrated they were ready and open for business when world leader Siemens opened a £30m sustainable hub last week in the Zone.

The Crystal – a Sustainable Cities Initiative by Siemens opened in the Royal Victoria site of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone in London on Wednesday 19 September 2012.

The innovative glass-clad structure encompasses an area of more than 6,300 square metres and will be home to Siemens’ global Centre of Competence Cities, a team of urban experts, aiming to encourage the growth of sustainable cities through partnerships, research and expert collaboration on solutions.

It will enhance London’s status as a global hub for green innovation, technology and skills. Siemens hope it will provide some 230 jobs and attract 100,000 visitors per year.

Inside the Crystal is the world’s largest interactive exhibition on the future of cities. It is open to the public and city decision makers. It will guide visitors through the urban infrastructure of the future, focusing on possibilities for sustainable mobility, building technologies, power and water supplies, and healthcare.

It also hosts a conference centre with 270 seat auditorium, office space, electric vehicle recharging points and a cafe.