Bates Smart's design brief from the agency called for the new workplace to be a modern environment that is connected to ‘now’, the immediacy and connectivity to the data and the energy of the world.
Chris Howatson, CHE Proximity's Managing Director commented on the outcome of the project:
'The team at Bates Smart have imagined an environment that's not only functionally brilliant in how it underpins our way of working, but emotionally energises our people and improves our thinking. We truly believe our office is a competitive advantage, not just a space.’
The look and feel was to be modern and simple, creating a powerful backdrop to the energy of the agency, conveyed through technology, movement, activity and an element of agency surprise.
Bates Smart's Associate Director, Grant Filipoff, explains how the spaces work together:
'The reception, hub and bar are one space; the epicenter of activity and energy and the heart of the agency. This space is utilized for meetings, presentations, staff gatherings and client entertaining and opens up to the landscaped external terrace.
'The workplace is broken down into district neighbourhoods with a feel and identity that subtly modulates between key team zones without restricting expansion and contraction of teams.'
The new environment encourages staff collaboration between groups and modulates the workspace to represent the unique needs and identities of each department.
Images by Peter Bennetts
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