Architects statement.
A very uninspiring industrial building presented a substantial design challenge.
The brief from the Informs Directors was to create an exciting work place environment which would provide an efficient and functional office for informs dynamic young team of around thirty staff.
The design approach was to largely retain the original shell of the building and to introduce a series of first floor mezzanine platforms for the various departments with the Inform business and to create new and attractive office spaces within and around these platforms.
The structural elements and old walls have been expressed to ensure that the raw industrial character of the original building was retained and to act as a counterpoint to the sleek new construction.
With the office located in a relatively harsh comical environment the design turn inward towards a spacious, light filled central "coffee shop" and lunch area.
The surrounding conference rooms and offices are transparent to achieve a sharing of light and view lines.
The outcome is one where exposed structural members, the use of natural and raw materials as well as the attention to detail through the building, where elements such as the innovative sloping granite vanity basins, or striking open industrial staircases, has created a rich and vibrant office environment, suitably representative of Informs place of industry.