Google Unveils 'Platform 37' as New London Headquarters Name
Google has officially christened its new London headquarters 'Platform 37', a name that pays tribute to both its King's Cross location and a landmark event in artificial intelligence history. The tech giant announced that teams from Google and its AI research division, Google DeepMind, will start moving into the building this summer, marking a significant expansion in the UK capital.
Homage to AlphaGo's Historic 'Move 37'
The name Platform 37 references 'Move 37', a pivotal and initially baffling play made by DeepMind's AlphaGo AI system nearly a decade ago. In a famous match against Go world champion Lee Sae Dol, human experts at first dismissed the move as a mistake, according to Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind Co-Founder and CEO. However, as the game progressed, it became evident that this unconventional strategy was crucial to AlphaGo's victory, heralding what is now recognised as the modern era in AI.
Architectural Design and Sustainability Goals
Designed by renowned architects Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels, the building stretches 330 metres alongside the railway tracks at King's Cross, earning it the nickname 'landscraper' as it is longer than London's 310-metre Shard skyscraper is tall. Platform 37 represents Google's first wholly owned and designed building outside the United States, with a development timeline dating back to its announcement in 2013, including some delays in fit-out. The tech giant has set an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, aligning with broader environmental commitments.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Later this year, Google plans to open 'The AI Exchange', a community space within Platform 37 where people can learn about artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to foster public understanding and engagement with AI technologies, reflecting the building's symbolic connection to innovation. The relocation of Google and DeepMind teams underscores London's growing role as a hub for tech and AI research, with the new headquarters poised to become a landmark in the city's skyline and cultural landscape.
