Architect and Builder June 2017 | Page 86

to both wings, the positioning of the on-floor pause-areas also visually break up the open floor-plan, making a large space feel more intimate and collaborative. The on-floor pause areas are not meant to replace the main canteen on the ground floor but rather serve as an opportunity to grab a coffee or a light snack from the vending machines whilst also acting as an informal interactive communication hub for staff. Agile Environment Whereas in the past, a senior position came with a large private office, the move was now to an egalitarian open plan environment across all levels of staff. In a first for the client, this is an ‘all agile environment’, with no fixed seating. There are some 86 exceptions to the rule where more traditional computer set-ups are required - e.g. the Trading department. Space Planning The emphasis was placed on variety and options within an interesting desking landscape. Seating is made up of resident desks and three other types of agile seating. Guido says that after a short period of time, the benefits of the agile environment are already being felt. There is more flexibility and more free-flowing communication between the teams and tasks that either took a long time or felt impossible now seem easy. This was achieved by specifying four different desk types with three worktop finishes - creating an exciting and varied visual landscape. Bridge Park