Abstract
In this paper I examine the growing trend in commercial office development of the use of globally operative ‘signature’ architects, famed design leaders who are sought out and contracted to provide design products in cities far from their head office. The engagement of two leading international design firms—Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Foster and Partners—by Australian developers for new Sydney office towers (Aurora Place and 126 Phillip Street, respectively) is analyzed in detail. I identify three areas where the design of office buildings is seen to make a commercial difference: in lubricating the planning-approval process in sensitive urban contexts; in adding value to the building through reconciling urban context and architectural form with commercial development rationalities; and in selling the interior space of the building to prospective commercial tenants.
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