Archetech Issue 46 2020 | Page 71

Images: Bartosz Dworski PENSON has also holistically integrated tech, flexibility, furniture procurement, health at work strategies and internal brand messaging. ‘Living above the shop’ on Oxford Street gives the Sports Direct Group staff a physical connection to their customers and ensures they remain firmly on the retail pulse. Reception sets the tone of the HQ with a striking entrance façade, bespoke reception desk, hints of sleek red detailing and monochromatic surfaces. Polished and raw concrete walls, white gloss floors and digital screens give the open plan workspaces a minimalistic studio feel. Taking inspiration from retail, digital backdrops, light boxes, bright artwork, projections and hi-tech lighting work together to create fluidity in the spaces, as well as interactivity. Circular desks, sofas and reconfigurable settings encourage movement and collaboration in work areas. “The team looked at the ergonomics of a pair of trainers to influence the flexible layouts”, said Lee Penson, CEO of PENSON, “spaces fit to individuals’ needs while offering a hybridity of choice.” FURNITURE: B&B Italia, Task Systems, Frei Frau, Icons of Denmark, Andreu World, Poiat, Lapalma, FAMO, Moroso, Tacchini, Nüvist, Fredericia, Magis, Matière Grise, Profim. LIGHTING: XAL, Nulty + SIGNAGE: Symbius Urban Works FLOORING: Rubber tyre by Chroma, Microscreed and Poured Resin from Floored Genius CONTRACTOR: Como F & B: The Good Food Co. penson.co/en POLISHED AND RAW CONCRETE WALLS, WHITE GLOSS FLOORS AND DIGITAL SCREENS GIVE THE OPEN PLAN WORKSPACES A MINIMALISTIC STUDIO FEEL. The retail connection continues on level six where the space includes retractable walls, illuminated artwork and event lighting. Nestled among comfy lounge seating, the restaurant serves up fresh food all day, but reconfigures for product launches, catwalks and brand events, thanks to the innovative moving walls. Huge floor to ceiling windows open out to a tranquil terrace and vistas over Oxford street below. SUPPLIER LIST