Cutting edge design is not confined to just arts colleges and galleries.
London’s office spaces have some of the most forward thinking and exciting interiors of all: design has become a way of creating ergonomic, productive and creative environments for workers to thrive in.
Here are some of our favourites from the capital;
Red Bull, Soho
The energy drink’s London base has been designed to get the adrenaline pumping. Occupying the top three floors of an existing 19th century building, visitors enter through the open plan social space on the upper level, with spaces below joined by a floating staircase.
All floors are “stitched” together with a carbon fibre element that replicates the trace patterns left by skaters, snowboarders and stunt planes. It creates a sense of freedom and movement, as well as evokes the spirit of the extreme sports that Red Bull has sponsored for decades.
BMG, London
Another office interior inspired by the key principles of the business is the new office space designed for London-based music company BMG. Created by London office interior design specialists Peldon Rose, the 17,000 sq ft office space aims to portray BMG’s music heritage within their office environment.
The creative office space features exposed brick walls and industrial iron beams, along with two soundproof acoustic rooms and a multifunctional lounge/café/bar with performance stage, providing a great venue for performers and staff. There are also numerous blank canvases, blackboards, whiteboards and empty spaces for employees to get creative and fill the workspace with their own music memorabilia, discs and magazines!
Innocent Smoothies, West London
Employees call these offices Fruit Towers, and the natural environment is certainly the predominant theme. The open plan layout is turfed with artificial grass, and the use of glass ensures the whole space is flooded with natural light.
The non-fixed seating arrangement allows staff to set themselves up for the day wherever they are needed. It’s had a positive effect, with bosses reporting that sick days are down and productivity is up. The trust culture is truly embodied in these offices.
Office Space in Town, Waterloo
There are nods to the area’s hat-making past running through these Lewis Carroll inspired offices. The influence ranges from tea pot lamp shades to the fully decked out Mad Hatter meeting room, complete with grassed floor, mismatched furniture and distressed wallpaper. Visitors to the office, delivered by Peldon Rose, are greeted with Alice falling through the rabbit hole. A very memorable first impression!
Elsewhere the influence is more subtle, yet bold design decisions create a modern working environment. Nearly 40% of space is communal (16% is more usual for serviced offices) creating a real focus on interaction and collaboration. It worked: a few months after opening, Office Space in Town, Waterloo had reached close to 100% occupancy.
Main Image From: Office Space in Town, Waterloo
