Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Google reveals Platform 37 and AI Exchange in London in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Google and Google DeepMind have unveiled Platform 37, the name of their new King’s Cross building in London, alongside plans for a public education space called The AI Exchange that will host exhibitions, programming, and discussions about artificial intelligence.
The company says the building will become a central location for its artificial intelligence teams in the UK. Researchers, engineers, ethicists, and other specialists from Google DeepMind and Google are expected to begin moving into the workspace this summer.
Platform 37: a new base for Google’s AI teams
Platform 37 is located next to King’s Cross station in London and will serve as a hub for Google’s artificial intelligence research and engineering activity.
The building’s name references both its location and a well-known moment in AI research history. It is a nod to “Move 37,” a pivotal move made by Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo system during its 2016 match against Go world champion Lee Sae Dol.
The move was initially seen by human experts as an error, but later proved to be strategically important and contributed to AlphaGo winning the match. The moment is widely seen as marking the beginning of a new phase in AI research and development.
Demis Hassabis, CEO and Co-Founder at Google DeepMind, says the UK continues to play a key role in global AI innovation: “The UK is a center of extraordinary technological innovation with incredible talent and world-class institutions. Later this year, Google will build on this heritage by establishing our landmark King’s Cross building in London alongside a historic European railway hub.”
Hassabis adds that the building will house multidisciplinary teams working on artificial intelligence research and development: “Together our world-leading AI researchers, engineers, ethicists and others will build on our track record of safe and responsible AI development.”
The AI Exchange: a public space to explore AI
Alongside the new office space, Google is launching The AI Exchange, a public-facing area located on the ground floor of Platform 37.
The space is designed to help visitors learn about artificial intelligence and engage with discussions about how the technology is shaping society.
According to Google, the AI Exchange will host a range of activities including free educational programs, interactive exhibitions, and cultural events focused on artificial intelligence and its wider impact.
The initiative reflects a growing focus across the technology sector on improving public understanding of AI systems and their implications for work, science, and daily life.
For educators and students, spaces like this may also become informal learning environments where complex AI concepts can be explored outside traditional classrooms.
Architecture and sustainability
Platform 37 has been designed by architects Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels and represents one of Google’s most ambitious building projects in Europe.
The structure uses low-carbon construction materials and incorporates energy-efficient systems intended to reduce environmental impact.
Architecturally, the building features a “hung” structure that creates a column-free interior workspace. Google says this design allows the interior environment to be adapted as teams grow and research priorities change.
The building also includes a rooftop garden developed in collaboration with the London Wildlife Trust and the London Borough of Camden. The planted space is intended to increase biodiversity in the local area while offering views across the city.
AI research and future development
Google says the King’s Cross building will support teams working across multiple areas of artificial intelligence research and application.
Since the AlphaGo breakthrough nearly a decade ago, AI systems developed by Google DeepMind have been used in areas including materials discovery, fusion energy research, mathematical reasoning, and biology.
Platform 37 will bring together multidisciplinary teams working across these fields as the company continues to expand its AI research programs.
Hassabis says the new building represents more than just an office space for Google’s teams.
“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.”
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