Google has named its new London headquarters “Platform 37”, drawing inspiration from its location near King’s Cross railway station and a famous moment in artificial intelligence history.

The name also references “Move 37”, a groundbreaking move made by Google DeepMind’s AI system AlphaGo during its historic match against world champion Lee Sae-dol in the ancient strategy game Go.

Google said teams from both Google and its AI research division, Google DeepMind, will begin moving into the building this summer.

Reference To A Landmark AI Moment

The move that inspired the building’s name occurred nearly a decade ago when AlphaGo made an unconventional play during its match with Lee Sae-dol.

Experts initially believed the move was a mistake, according to Demis Hassabis, co-founder and chief executive of Google DeepMind.

However, as the game progressed it became clear the move was strategically brilliant and helped AlphaGo secure victory.

Hassabis said the match marked the start of what many now consider the modern era of artificial intelligence.

A Major Tech Landmark In London

The building itself is a major architectural project in central London. Designed by architects Thomas Heatherwick and Bjarke Ingels, the structure stretches about 330 metres alongside the railway tracks leading into King’s Cross.

Often described as a “landscraper”, the building is longer than the Shard skyscraper is tall.

It also represents Google’s first fully owned and designed office building outside the United States.

New AI Community Space Planned

Google said the headquarters will also include a public space called The AI Exchange, where visitors can learn about artificial intelligence and its applications.

The space is expected to open later this year as part of Google’s broader effort to promote AI education and engagement with the public.

(with inputs from Reuters)