In the Evening Standard on 31 January 2007, Martina Smit said:
An ultramodern block of glass and stone has been erected next to London’s historic landmark of the Monument. The shimmering pavilion forms the centrepiece of a new public square alongside the 61m (202ft) column that commemorates the Great Fire of London of 1666. The modern building has over 100 angled mirrors on its roof that reflect the golden orb on top of the Monument - a reward for visitors who climb all of the giant pillar’s 311 stairs for the view from above. The new square was created by pedestrianising part of Monument Street, restoring the site to its original size as designed by Sir Christopher Wren. An attractive oak deck has been built over a derelict basement on one side to create an outdoor space where City workers can relax. For the first time, a flagstone has also been laid to honour Robert Hooke, the scientist who helped Wren design the Monument. The project is part of the City of London’s Street Scene Challenge, which transforms traffic-laden streets in the Square Mile into people-friendly spaces. Justin Bere of bere:architects, who designed the new pavilion and square, said: “We are delighted that the City of London has been adventurous enough in its commissioning to give us the freedom to design this unusual pavilion. “It appears to be casually placed in Monument Square but on closer examination has a precise sculptural relationship to the Monument. We hope it adds another, modern dimension to the experience of visiting this great landmark.”