Google is changing the name of its London headquarters announces Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis; shares the ‘story’ behind the new name
Google is renaming its London headquarters Platform 37. The renaming of the building is a reference to its location near King’s Cross station and to a key moment in the history of artificial intelligence (AI), according to Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. In a blog post, the company also announced plans for a public space called The AI Exchange, which will allow visitors to explore and discuss AI through exhibitions and educational programmes.The new name and initiatives were revealed as Google prepares to move teams from Google DeepMind and other Google divisions into the building later this year. The facility is located near the historic railway hub at King’s Cross Station in London.
Why Google named its London building Platform 37
In a blog post, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis explains that the name “Platform 37” references both the building’s proximity to the railway station and “Move 37,” a move made by the AI system AlphaGo during a 2016 match against Go champion Lee Sae-Dol.AlphaGo, developed by DeepMind, made the unexpected move during the game of Go, a complex strategy board game with an enormous number of possible board configurations. Human experts initially believed that the move was a mistake.However, as the match progressed, the move was a turning point, helping AlphaGo win the game. The match later came to represent a shift in the development of modern AI systems.Google said the moment helped accelerate its efforts to apply AI to scientific challenges, including materials discovery, fusion energy, mathematical reasoning, and biology.Platform 37 uses a “hung” architectural structure, as Google describes it, creating a flexible interior workspace without columns. This layout allows teams to adapt the space for different types of work and collaboration.The rooftop garden has been developed in collaboration with the London Wildlife Trust and the London Borough of Camden. The garden is designed to support biodiversity while offering views across the city.Google said teams from Google DeepMind and other Google divisions will begin moving into the building during the summer. Hassabis described the building as a collaborative environment for AI development and research.“We’re excited to begin moving our teams into this inspiring and collaborative space. I see this spectacular building as more than an office — it is a monument to science and intelligence. Our multi-disciplinary teams will work together here to achieve the next world-changing breakthroughs like AlphaGo, pioneering the path towards artificial general intelligence to build a better future for the benefit of everyone,” Hassabis noted.
What we know about AI Exchange, the public space for AI discussions
Alongside the headquarters, Google is introducing The AI Exchange, a public space intended to help visitors understand artificial intelligence and its societal impact.The space will host free educational programmes, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events focused on AI. The company confimred that the facility will open later this year on the ground floor of Platform 37.The initiative is designed as a community-focused space where people can engage with AI technologies and discussions around their applications.The building was designed by architects Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels and incorporates sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient systems.
