Conceptually , the client wanted circulation to be as efficient as possible , with little reliance on elevators , to move its nearly 2,500 staff members across the various levels of the building . Aesthetically , the building was to draw on classical principles of form and order whilst still representing the forward thinking culture of the organisation which is very contemporary .
Security , I . T . infrastructure , energy efficiency and economy were all given high priority .
THE BUILDING In response to the client ’ s request for maximum flexibility , the building has been designed as four separate double storey office blocks , all
connected to a central public core which houses the functions common to all .
Office Component Each of the four office blocks consists of two levels of open plan office space , effectively creating eight separate office plates of ± 2,600m 2 each , and the possibility of eight separate addresses should the need arise .
Each office plate is flanked to the south by a patio that overlooks the wetland ; to the east and west by services pods ; and to the north by a circulation spine that links blocks to each other through the central core . Adjacent to the circulation spine , on the north side of each office
160 Auto & General