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About the Crystal
The Crystal is a sustainable cities initiative by Siemens that explores how we can create a better future for our cities. It is home to the world's largest exhibition focused on urban sustainability.
As a world-class centre for dialogue, discovery and learning, it reveals the challenges that cities face, and the ways we can reduce their environmental impact using sustainable technologies, many available today.
Based in the Royal Victoria Docks, the centre of London's new Green Enterprise District, the Crystal is a natural home for thought leadership on urban sustainability. It provides a global knowledge hub that helps a diverse range of audiences learn and understand how we can all work to build better cities for ourselves and for future generations.
Experts on urban sustainability will be available to exchange ideas, while a dynamic conference programme will foster dialogue between stakeholders.
Visit the CrystalWho is the Crystal For?
The Crystal is for everyone who cares about creating a better future for our cities. It inspires a dialogue about a shared sustainable future: how we live in cities, how we struggle with them, how we can make them more attractive, and balance environment, economy and quality of life.
The Crystal brings together mayors, city decision-makers, politicians, urban planners, architects and infrastructure experts as well as the local community, international visitors and educational groups, from school children to post-graduate students.
The Idea Behind the Crystal
The concept of the Crystal was driven by a vision of a multi-faceted urban world. Its crystalline shape represents the many facets of sustainability and the complexity of urban life.
For London, the Crystal has an historical and cultural reference, drawing inspiration from the Crystal Palace, which in 1851 dazzled visitors at London's Great Exhibition showcasing innovation and the latest technology from the Industrial Revolution. It was housed in a magnificent structure of shimmering glass and iron - an engineering marvel of its time.
Today the Crystal takes that iconic name to a new level, symbolising the dawn of a new, sustainable, age.
"Siemens is establishing the Crystal in order to help find solutions for making the world’s cities more sustainable. It will serve as a centre for dialogue, learning and discovery."
Green Enterprise District
The Crystal is a landmark building situated in London's Green Enterprise District. It serves as a focal point for local urban redevelopment projects and underpins the strong partnership between Siemens and London.
The District is expected to generate new jobs and develop low carbon skills. Siemens' investment in this iconic building and knowledge hub is intended to blaze a trail for further investment in the area.
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"It is a clear sign of the confidence in London's ability to nurture and support eco-enterprises that Siemens has chosen to locate its flagship centre of sustainability here in the UK capital. The Crystal is set to sit at the heart of a brand new Green Enterprise District, which will sweep across east of the city. We envisage that the district will be a vibrant, international hub incubating dozens of low carbon businesses."
"Nowhere else in the UK is undergoing transformation on the scale of Newham. London is moving east and there is huge potential here for investment, growth and greater prosperity. I am delighted Siemens has recognised this. A new visitor attraction will put the Royal Docks on the national and international stage as a place for supporting new technology and innovation."
Sir Robin Wales Mayor Newham
Boris Johnson Mayor of London