Company Details
Company NameNBBJ
Address230 City Road
London
United Kingdom
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NameYennee Lou
Job TitleMarketing Specialist
EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Phone0207 549 3700
Role of this organisation in the project being enteredArchitect and Interior Designer
Category
  • Commercial Building - Buildings that are used for commercial purposes, and include retail, hospitality, workplaces, factories and warehouses and buildings where commercial services are provided. At least 50 percent of the buildings’ floor space will be used for commercial activities. 
Name of organisation entering the Awards (if different from above)NBBJ
Role of this organisation in the project being entered (if different from above)Architect and Interior Designer
Project Name (written how it should appear)University Enterprise Zone
Project AddressQueen Mary University Enterprise Zone, The QMB Innovation Centre
5 Walden Street
London
United Kingdom
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Client NameRamsay Richmond
Designer/Architect NameJayne Kelly
Contractor NameClive Graham Associates
Project Description

Project Cost: £1.1m
Completion Date: April 2021

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The University Enterprise Zone, hosted by Queen Mary University of London and funded by Research England, is a new innovation space in the heart of Whitechapel in East London. Designed by NBBJ, the space provides a range of flexible and adaptable workspaces for early-stage digital health, med-tech and AI start-ups within the QM Bio Innovation Centre, a building also designed by NBBJ in 2011.

The University Enterprise Zone provides space for start-ups and small businesses to grow whilst strengthening collaborative research and fostering innovation between Queen Mary and local businesses. The refurbishment across the lower ground and mezzanine provides dedicated workspaces for each tenant, as well as shared office spaces, meeting rooms and amenities fundamental to creating a collaborative and inclusive environment.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
The design focuses on fostering relationships and social wellbeing whilst promoting collaboration and connectivity amongst different tenants. Glazed partitions with thin transoms were specified to maximise daylight and create a sense of transparency and visual connectivity between different workspaces, office desks, meeting rooms as well as between floors, whilst allowing natural daylight to reach deep within the space. Breakout spaces encourage social interaction between tenants and provide an environment for people to meet, socialise and have lunch together.

CHOICE AND FLEXIBILITY
Choice is provided with different workspaces to select from, to suit the task and the level of social activity needed. A large open-plan workspace is housed within the atrium, providing tenants the option to engage in collaborative work whilst having access to daylight. Meeting rooms, breakout spaces and pods provide tenants the opportunity to do heads-down, focused work. These spaces are strategically located over the project’s two floors, both in social and semi-private locations, all within close proximity to tenancy space.

Materials Used

INTERIOR LOOK AND FEEL
The interior strategy focused on a palette of soft, light and natural materials to enhance the quality of the interior space whilst providing a warm, contemporary and calming aesthetic. Glazed partitions with thin transoms were specified to maximise daylight in the interior plan and create a sense of transparency and visual connectivity between different workspaces.

NATURAL PLANTING
A green planting strategy was used throughout the workspaces to enhance tenant wellbeing, ensure breakout spaces are visible and in close proximity to all tenants working in the space.

WAYFINDING AND GRAPHICS
To help tenants and guests navigate the interior space, thoughtfully placed and clear wayfinding is used in tandem with a soft colour palette. A large wall mural celebrates Queen Mary University’s scientific research endeavour by featuring iconic figures of science.

Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY
The interior uses a healthy and sustainable material palette by selecting products with their whole life-cycle in mind. For example, cork flooring and felt ceiling panels are natural, recyclable and fully bio-degradable whilst being environmentally friendly.

IMPACT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The project offers small scale workspace for early-stage digital health, med-tech and AI start-ups. This encourages connections and networking opportunities with the Queen Mary University and local businesses, whilst boosting the economic activity within the Whitechapel area.

HOW DOES THE PROJECT BENEFIT THE PEOPLE THAT USE IT?

ENHANCING WELLBEING
Occupant experience and wellbeing are a core focus of the design at the University Enterprise Zone. Research has shown that looking at plants and the colour green have restorative effects and lowers anxiety, creates spaces for calm respite within the workplace, speeds healing and even boosts the immune system. To help reduce stress whilst increasing creativity and productivity amongst tenants, the design team introduced a green planting strategy to enhance the biophilic benefits within the workspace. Breakout spaces feature clusters of planting, seating and access to natural daylight.

Issues Faced

The existing space had poor lighting, a dark material palette and sprawling workstations and storage therefore using a light material palette was important to the success of the project to help reflect as much natural light deep into the plan. A light material palette was an initial concern for the client due to the cleaning and maintenance of lighter toned finishes. The project team worked with the client to provide samples and literature to help them understand the maintenance procedure in order to overcome this issue.

It was important for the project to have a consistent finish across all joinery, built-in pieces and loose furniture items. One example was the use of a light grey timber laminate effect that was applied on cupboards and laptop tables. The same finish was applied to the large picnic table, however we wanted this to be solid wood for longevity. A series of whitewashed oak samples were mocked up which matched the light grey timber laminate.

This project was designed and delivered during a national lockdown which proved challenging, therefore it was important for the project team and the client to maintain communication on a daily basis. This allowed the project team to establish a shared understanding of project goals whilst ensuring project milestones were met and the fit-out programme stayed on track.

Additional Comments

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