Arup, an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists, is best know for designing ambitious buildings worldwide. Having worked with Arup as our structural engineers on three previous projects, their associate principal contacted us for their own office expansion. The space needed to greet visitors and clients with a clear identity at the entry and reception, and provide not only an inspiring work environment for 80 employees, but informal collaborative areas for group work, lunches, and office presentations.
Inspired by Arup's focus on structural innovation and sustainability, we centralized the conference rooms and connected them with the reception entry area. This common space and social hub can be shared by staff, as well as visitors, to create an open and engaging environment, enhanced by an organic yet highly crafted screen system that expresses the dynamic nature of the Arup practice. People move freely through the reception area and adjoining breakout space. They use it for ad hoc meetings and have found that it promotes the cross-disciplinary collaboration that is a hallmark of the Arup design approach; it allows for informal town hall events and speaks to the brand image of the firm in a beautifully crafted way.
AWARDS
MakeItWork Honoree Award
CONSULTANTS
MECHANICAL Arup
ELECTRICAL Arup
LIGHTING Christine Sciulli Light + Design
MILLWORK Desciencelab
PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Craemer