Siemens new urban development center

Siemens has opened the Crystal, a €35 million development centre in London, UK. It hosts the world’s largest exhibition dedicated to sustainable urban development. 

“Cities are the engines of the world economy and also have the greatest impact on the environment. The development of our planet will stand or fall with the development of cities. Looking ahead to the urban future, the Crystal showcases a wide variety of opportunities and concrete solutions,” said Peter Löscher, President and CEO, Siemens.

Designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, the building features a 270-seat auditorium covering 2,000 m2 exhibition that will guide visitors through the urban infrastructure of the future, focusing on possibilities for sustainable mobility, building technologies, power and water supplies, and healthcare.

Roland Busch, member, Managing Board, Siemens AG and CEO of the Infrastructure & Cities Sector, said, “Cities worldwide are making investments to improve their water supplies, power grids, transportation systems and building infrastructures. Our addressable market alone has a volume of €300 billion. In this growth market, the Crystal will help us intensify dialogue with our customers. The Crystal is our Sector’s showcase, contact point and mastermind.” 

The facility consumes 50 percent less power and emits 65 percent less carbon dioxide than comparable office buildings. The facility will be open to the public on September 29 2012. Moreover, the company also scheduled two smaller centers to be built in Shanghai and Washington in the coming years.