International workspace provider HB Reavis moved into its new UK headquarters at 33 Central in the City of London in February 2019. Working with Swiss architecture and design studio Evolution Design, the company has implemented a people-centric design approach, creating a variety of bright and inspiring spaces, tailored to suit different tasks. The new office, which also acts as a showcase space for the brand, demonstrates HB Reavis’ innovative approach to development and incorporates state-of-the-art facilities, including technology that monitors lighting, air quality and noise pollution in real time.

HB Reavis UK previously occupied two floors of a nearby office building that didn’t encourage internal communication or support collaboration or informal socializing. The former location also lacked a diversity of work environments, had poor lighting and air quality and did not encourage mobility.

In practice, creating flexible cross-departmental collaboration is achieved by forming small teams of varied specialists, often joined by colleagues from other HB Reavis’ locations.

Evolution Design involved the HB Reavis staff throughout the entire design process by forming a steering committee of departmental representatives and carrying out extensive research to identify detailed needs and requirements. Staff were empowered to make decisions about their future workplace and this regular interaction also provided the interior architects with valuable insights and enabled the practice to deliver a finely balanced spatial design that enables employees to be more empowered and productive.

Research shows that the single most effective method of reducing stress at work is to provide employees with the right type of spaces for the task they are undertaking. The new office includes quiet areas, focus booths and phone boxes for individual work, along with a variety of informal and formal meeting rooms and creative areas.

Another important aspect of the design was to enable staff to connect. The new workspace houses a large employee hub offering a coffee point and snacks, which encourages staff from different teams and different departments to meet informally, chat, exchange ideas and be inspired by others. Eating and socialising together help to build relationships – it is another positive impact on general wellbeing.

Aesthetically, the space has an industrial feel that reflects HB Reavis’ construction background, with materials including brick, reclaimed wood and metal along with an exposed ceiling and Crittal window-style partition walls. Furniture from Scandinavian and Dutch brands add refinement to the scheme.

Biophilic features also play an important role. Wellbeing is increased when there’s a direct connection to the natural world and the office is filled with plants, foliage walls and sustainable wood finishes, while the large windows, overlooking the City and the River Thames, flood the space with natural light, reducing reliance on artificial blue light.

The HB Reavis UK office creates a future-proof working environment, which could be recognized as leading by example – illustrating that a work environment can boost staff wellbeing and improve productivity. Along with materials, finishes and furnishings guided by the WELL Building Standard, good light levels, daylight harvesting, and clean air monitoring ensure the quality of work environment.