In 2015, we joined forces with Architecture 00. Together, we enjoy collaborating in a shared environment where strategic, urban and social designers, architects, programmers and economists practice design beyond its traditional borders. 00 work with individuals, governments, corporations and communities to solve problems and anticipate change, and to design successful platforms and places. As a studio it aims to reach beyond the design of objects themselves to the social, economic and environmental systems behind them.
The front facade of the extension to the Victorian warehouse, designed by Hawkins Brown. Photo : Ollie Hammock
Studio Weave with 00 have completed a 15, 000 sqft workspace fit-out in Southwark for George P. Johnson. The international experience marketing company required an EMEA headquarters that met their diverse range of operations. The two storey workspace is contained in a renovated and extended Victorian warehouse that was designed by Hawkins Brown.
The 'Westwood' meeting room. Photo : Ollie Hammock
Our team worked closely to create a scheme that balances a palette of natural materials with vibrant colours and extraordinary forms, reflecting the diversity and richness of the 100 year old organisation.
Working spaces are surrounded by lush plants. Photo : Ollie Hammock
It was important that the design accommodated George P Johnson's working needs in an efficient and comfortable manner, but also managed to represent more fundamentally who they are and what they value.
The tea-point is a central spot for serendipitous meetings and observing activities in the lab. Photo : Ollie Hammock
In this respect, it was clear that they were a people-centred creative business - both internally in how people worked with each other, and externally in how they engaged with their clients and the world.
Informal meeting in the orangery. Photo : George P Johnson
As a result, we have tried to design a space that does not subjugate its employees to a singular corporate style, but instead reflects the individuality and diversity within the company, celebrating the collective capacity and achievements as a group of talented people working together.
The orangery. Photo : Ollie Hammock
Our 'Orangery' space allows teams to meet in a light - filled, green oasis where close proximity to the kitchen and servery makes it a convenient lunch spot whilst also inviting serendipitous meetings between different departments in the organisation.
Skype booths clad in Amercian oak. Photo : Ollie Hammock
Privacy and quiet was achieved by means of the acoustically protected skype booths - clad in diagonal American oak slats.
The roundhouse. Photo : Ollie Hammock
Special aspects include the 8 metre diameter ‘Roundhouse’ – a central gathering spot in the reception area of the office. Consisting of semi-circular concentric lattice walls that move on tracks, around an inner curtain, the radial fish-scale pattern floor intensifies to the centre – reflecting the performative aspect of the company’s work. It provides a flexible multiple purpose facility for presentations, events, mock-ups, training and meetings - giving these activitites a sense of intrigue and drama.
The inside of the 'Westwood' meeting room. Photo : Ollie Hammock
Our 'noodle' ceiling responded to the geometry of the slanted warehouse roof - providing an animated effect for creative meetings whilst also acoustically sheltering the space.
An island meeting room. Photo : Ollie Hammock
Semi - private booths help to create an intimate atmosphere whilst maintaining the open plan nature of the space.
Breakout space and island meeting rooms. Photo : Ollie Hammock
The result is an array of different quality spaces that allow a variety of activities and interactions in the organisation.
The tea-point. Photo : Ollie Hammock
Overall the space was designed with an authenticity that conveys a richness and a quality that might be a timeless backdrop to the ambitiously evolving company.
Early sketch diagram exploring the company structure
The project begun by consolidating the brief and assessing the fundamentals of the client's company structure.
The design team visit the old office of GPJ
It was important that we understood how the client occupied their current space and how their future ambitions affected the design of their new space. Here our team tours the client's old offices in Kingston upon Thames questioning them on their needs and aspirations.
The chocolate river in 2005 Charlie & the Chocolate Factory film, directed by Tim Burton
Our first thought was that they needed a 'digital wonderland' (complete with chocolate river obviously.)
David and Amelia thrash out some options
However, once we got down to it, our fast and messy design exercises produced layout options responding to core objectives and inherent values.
Iteration layout from design exercise
Iterations were created and assessed - we used critical workshop sessions to consider the utilisation of the space.
Diagram rationalising space divisions
Fundamental spatial rules were created and visualised responding to the client's written brief and the environmental conditions of the new space.
Amelia in the 'Roundhouse'
Design ideas were fully considered and explored. Here we test the 8m diameter size of the roundhouse in a nearby carpark!
Sketch axo of the Roundhouse
Sketch models emerged where materiality and fabrication processes were considered...
Mood board for the orangery
....as well as the look & feel of the space.
Overbury site management
The construction phase was managed expertly by Overbury...
Amelia visits the site
...over 11 short weeks.
Inspecting the threshold between carpet and oak
The roundhouse floor being laid
The arranging of the Roundhouse floor to align with true north - its circular form has associations with clocks, compasses and orbiting planets.
Ryan and Amelia present the design to GPJ
Studio Weave and Architecture 00 presented the design concept to the employees at their summer party.