The Base , Bryanston
INTERIORS CATEGORY
After a review of their real estate needs , GroupM and Kantar ’ s objectives for the relocation of 670 employees , from eight agencies located in four premises , into a single 6,500m 2 facility , were to satisfy the synergies for the consolidation of the combined companies . In addition the aim was to satisfy the global standards of the WPP group , achieve competitive and stable occupancy costs and to enhance the combined companies ’ images and brand .
With physical environments being so important to the performance and culture of GroupM and Kantar , the facility needed to offer dynamic work and social spaces in which people do their best , most creative work and clients have access to the best talent and solutions as a result .
The challenge of combining multiple agencies into a single location was the preservation of the different brand identities without creating silos . Through the incorporation of ground and first floor patio spaces and the addition of a light-filled double volume atrium in the unused entrance space , an additional 280m 2 of collaboration space opened up the floor plate into an end-to-end open plan building .
As GroupM and Kantar value a sense of belonging and collaboration , the work space is an expansive open plan area with a consistent brand neutral aesthetic . 560 workstations are clustered into team-led neighborhoods and employees are encouraged to move around to different team and personal spaces that support what they are doing . There are 260 collaborative seats through the building and each core offers a mix of bench work-seats , bar height collaboration tables , focus rooms and informal lounge areas encouraging interaction and idea-sharing and spaces for quiet work .
The absence of cellular offices shows an approachable management culture and a variety of small private meeting rooms and open meeting spaces encourage collaboration among creative teams . Shared amenity spaces – pause areas , central filing , perimeter personal lockers and storage , address the need for flexible spaces .
Clients are the focus of media and insight , and the Client Experience Centre with its concierge style welcome desks , provides an experience worthy of a visit to a cutting-edge future focused agency . Four rooms with one-way viewing panels are used for research , fold-away doors increase the capacity of seven rooms to facilitate training , presentations and entertainment of clients .
The Creatory is the core of the building and is the link between the Client Experience Centre and the workspace . An on-site catering service prepares a daily breakfast and lunch menu presented on harvest tables . A modified Volkswagen bus offers pre-packed dietary requirement meals and juices . The eclectic mix of family style dining tables , tall bar tables , tables for just two and bench seating , allow for shared meals , meetings , simple coffee meetings or personal break away time .
The employee entrance is through The Playtrium , a double volume recreation area where unstructured collaboration happens . Foosball tables , basketball nets , board games and table tennis tables are available and the mezzanine structure can be used for meetings .
Health and wellbeing are core values at The Base . There are two Mother ’ s rooms as well as a Spiritual Sanctuary used for prayer and meditation . A weekly Mani- Pedi is offered in The Playtrium , as well as Yoga classes held twice a week . The gardens and the Duck Pond deck provide a generous outdoor area for both internal functions and client entertainment .
Owner / Developer : Growthpoint Properties Architects : AMA Architects ; Nero Create Project Manager : Growthpoint Properties Quantity Surveyor : Enumerate Consulting Structural Engineer : L & S Consulting Electrical & Mechanical Engineer : Aurecon Fire Consultant : Aurecon Main Contractor : Beurden Construction
SAPOA Awards 67