The Crystal is a Sustainable Cities Initiative by Siemens hosting the world’s largest exhibition on the future of cities. It is hoped it will become a global hub for debate on sustainable urban living and development.

Wilkinson Eyre Architects were responsible for the dramatic crystal-shaped, glazed structure at Royal Victoria Docks in London, covering 2,000m2. The varied interior spaces were designed by fit-out architects Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will.

Lang+Fulton supplied the floor grating which surrounds the exhibits in the zone exploring Water.

It was important that the grating should provide a comfortable pedestrian experience for the heavy footfall at such a popular visitor attraction. Equally, the panels had to be manufactured to a very high quality in such a visual appiication and to be finished to a standard suitable for the constant flow of water.

A pressure-locked grating was chosen, made entirely from flat bars, with a small 55x11mm heel-proof mesh, a 40x2mm bearing bar and 10x2mm transverse bar.