Bennett interiors for Swiss Re HQ

The future occupiers of Foster and Partners’ ‘erotic gherkin’ building in London have appointed Bennett Interior Design to create office interiors, after an initial longlist of 32 consultancies.

Foster and Partners, architect of insurance giant Swiss Re’s headquarters, has been appointed to create dedicated corporate hospitality suites for the top three floors as well as a double-height entrance lobby.

A shortlist of seven unnamed consultancies presented detailed credentials, following which three consultancies were selected to present design ideas: the winning two consultancies and Hellmuth Obata & Kassabaum.

HOK was the only group paid for the pitch. It received a nominal fee for its presentation, which ‘may not have covered its costs’, according to Swiss Re new building director Sara Fox.

Bennett Interior Design will be responsible for planning and designing office space across 32 floors of the building.

The Swiss Re headquarters is scheduled for completion at the end of 2003.