WINNER
Plus X Brighton
by Studio Egret West, for U+I
The first of a national network of purpose-built innovation hubs, Plus X Brighton has flexibility designed into it throughout. The space aims to support innovation across all sectors, and features offices, workshops and even recording studios.
The 53,000 sq ft, seven-storey building can accommodate up to 550 individuals and offers flexible workspaces of varying sizes. The floor plates from the ground to the second floor are split into two halves, which creates a triple-height atrium linked by a series of unfolding bridges and stairs. Studio Egret West says this encourages all users to circulate throughout the building, thereby facilitating interaction and inspiration. This space is clad in yellow aluminium, and pared down with warm birch-ply clad. Hanging meeting “boxes” provide a “dynamic” backdrop on the ground level, which also offers a café, seats and flexible event space.
Finally, foliage has been considered throughout – inside, plants have been carefully curated to create a relaxed atmosphere, while in the rooftop bar area, the greenery has been selected to improve biodiversity in the city.
The judges said: “These spaces look and feel really contemporary and relaxing. Warm colour palette and good layering, which makes for a welcoming space fit for purpose.”
Open Society Foundations, London
by TP Bennett, for Open Society Foundations
As one of the largest philanthropic organisations in the world, the workspace interiors of Open Society Foundations needed to reflect its values of “tolerance, accountability and integrity”. By encouraging co-operation and interaction throughout, the space aims to show that the individual efforts of staff are made greater when combined.
Visitors enter the building via an upper level. This public-facing reception area and co-working space is a large social hub for staff. It boasts muted tones, ambient lighting and biophilic design, making it ideal for events and providing a “characterful” welcome. The lower level is deliberately more subdued, offering staff a calming environment in which to work. This houses the private library too – a focal point as much a useful resource. It is supported by a well-being suite, comprising a parenting room, no-tech sanctuary space, sleep pods and contemplation rooms.
Finally, an open plan approach has been taken throughout the hot-desking area. This facilitates communication among workers, and also allows the space to maximise light use.
Chapter Living Old Street
by Tigg + Coll Architects, for Greystar Europe
Wanting a different theme for the study space house in Chapter Living Old Street, Tigg + Coll Architects took interiors inspiration from the history of theatre. The team came up with the theme after having explored the local area, finding out that Shakespeare’s original theatre company was located just around the corner in 1597. The site saw early performances of some of the bard’s most iconic plays, such as Romeo and Juliet and Henry IV parts I and II.
This starting point pushed the team to consider theatre throughout the ages, and Chapter Living Old Street boasts Art Deco and 1950s cinema references as a result. The entrance hall is a re-interpretation of a classic proscenium stage, framed in curved walnut arches and set against a decorative terrazzo floor. The reception desk’s backdrop gives a nod to the 1920s, with ribbed glass screens and upholstered benches. Topping the space off, quite literally, is a jet-black ceiling with simple track lighting inspired by theatrical lighting. This is complemented and contrasted by a selection of elegant brass pendant lights, which highlight the key areas of the space.
The Fjord Building
by Ben Adams Architects
Ben Adams Architects labels its interiors for the Fjord Building as “industrial chic fused with a Scandinavian aesthetic”. The space, which sits across five floors in King’s Cross, is a “sensitive refurbishment” of an existing building. The team has used the industrial heritage of the building, revealing the structure which was never supposed to be seen. Ceiling heights have opened up as a result, and concrete and steel columns have been sandblasted to showcase their “industrial charm”.
All of this has been combined with a pared-back Scandi style – whitewashed walls, neutral colours elsewhere, natural ventilation and plenty of daylight serve to complete the look. Carefully curated accents help to marry the two styles together, such as warm textiles and soft furnishings. The finished result, the team says, is a “perfect backdrop for work and creativity”.
Workplace Interiors
shortlisted
workplace Interiors