Introduction
Battersea Power Station has a rich history covering eight decades. For over 50 years it was a working power station, in its peak time supplying electricity to London’s most famous landmarks. In 2012 the site was acquired by investors who embarked on an ambitious redevelopment project. The complex renovation brought back glory to the original Art Deco façade, and the restoration process allowed retail spaces, restaurants, offices, and entertainment venues to grow.
Nowadays, the Power Station is not only a well-known shopping centre, but also an icon of industrial heritage with prominent and recognisable chimneys that can be seen on t-shirts, postcards, iPhone cases, and posters.
I've decided to experience the famous Battersea Power Station and check out the new Apple store myself!
The History of Battersea Power Station
The construction started in 1929 but the Power Station was officially opened in 1933. The unique design was Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the same artist who created the famous red telephone boxes. The purpose of the station was to meet the need for a more efficient and modern power source for growing London. At the time of opening, the Battersea Power Station was the largest brick-built structure in Europe. Characteristic of four chimneys, each standing 103 meters (338 feet) tall.
During World War II, the station played a crucial role in navigating pilots over London thanks to its distinct construction. The Battersea Power Station survived bombardment but couldn’t win with advancements in technology and the growing need for electricity which led to the end of its original purpose in 1983.
Apple store in Battersea
The new store which opened on the 15th June is Apple's 40th store in the U.K. The space has taken 40% of the office area at Battersea Power Station. The brand is focused on improving customer service by engaging with the local community. Apple organises charity events, workshops and activities for locals. During my visit in the store in Battersea I could experience one of the classes, during which all of the participants learnt about all Apple products and how they could use them to further their education. Students were given iPads to finish tasks prepared by teachers in a 20 minute period. During one of the activities they were walking around taking pictures of the store and Apple products.
Staff in the Apple store in Battersea have an average of 6.5 years of Apple retail experience, some of them even 10 years!
Keeping in mind people’s abilities such as mobility, hearing or sight, designers tried to use that as a guide to universal, sustainable design. Open space and wide avenues are directed to those on wheelchairs, the visual contrast between the floor, walls and texture increases focus. Acoustic baffles increase clarity by reducing audio noise. Apple Battersea runs on 100 percent renewable energy and is carbon neutral, like all Apple retail locations.
New interior design
Apple has partnered with global architecture studio Foster + Partners famous for the Gherkin in London, the Reichstag in Berlin or the Hong Kong International Airport.The aim was to create a new design formula which potentially will be applied to future Apple stores. The idea is to move from petrochemical-based products to biogenic ones. According to Bill Bergeron-Mirsky, Apple’s retail design lead “The terrazzo floor is plant-based, a bio-resin mixed with aggregates from Italy and Greece and recycled glass from the UK.”
The Genius Bar has got a new logo and a reimagined counter for face-to-face conversations during hands-on technical and hardware support. The same as the Apple Pickup station has been renovated to simply decrease time of the item collection and increase customer satisfaction.
Almost the whole shop is covered by FSC-certified wood, a solid oak and spruce composite. Large product displays, high ceilings, and mobile sales staff rather than checkout desks give a new, fresh direction to a more sustainable-focus brand. Stefan Behling, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: "The system adopts an energy efficient displacement air strategy, which delivers conditioned air through the base of the avenues, creating a comfortable environment for staff and visitors."
I would recommend you experience the store and the knowledgeable staff yourself, the Apple Store in Battersea Power station is open Monday - Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm.
