PROJECT INFO
Client Virgin Media O2
Architects Gensler
gensler.com
Completion 2024
Size 81,750ft2
KEY SUPPLIERS
Fit-out BW: Workplace Experts
wearebw.com
Specialist lighting consultant Light Bureau
lightbureau.com
Flooring
Ege Carpets
egecarpets.com Forbo
forbo.com Florim
florim.com
Furniture Rawside
rawside.co
Opus Magnum
opusmagnum.co.uk Icons of Denmark
iconsofdenmark.dk
All images The brand palette is woven throughout the space, and each floor features destination zones
With inclusivity a key driver in the design concept, each floor provides a unique destination for staff that recognises varying needs and empowers individuals to select spaces that suit their preferences. Alternative spaces have also been integrated, including libraries and comfortable seating areas for screenings.
Standout features include a prestigious ground-floor client experience area, and a space on the ninth floor focused entirely on collaboration, with a conference suite, boardroom, multi-functional dining and social space, and a 130-capacity event studio. Every floor further includes ‘accidental meeting points’, to encourage spontaneous discussions, which are opposite the lift lobby of each floor and serve to bring employees closer together into one team: a key goal for the new ofice and a cornerstone of the merger.
BW: Workplace Experts has delivered each floor to reflect the wide range of services offered by Virgin Media O2 and what its customers use its connectivity for, from gaming and music- themed floors, through to sports, streaming and more. This resulted in over 350 individual finishes and 75 light fitting types, 22 being feature lighting, to match the individual look and feel of each floor.
Paul Kavanagh, operations director at BW: Workplace Experts, comments: ‘Through extensive attention to detail and dedicated workshops with the client, we delivered numerous individual finishes to help achieve the unique look and feel of each floor. The result is a workspace that reflects the
collaboration of the Virgin Media O2 teams, bringing their vision to life through every individual fit-out detail.’
Gensler worked closely with the brand team to tailor the design to their purpose and messaging. The brand palette is woven throughout the space, and each floor features destination zones that connect users with different aspects of their mission – ‘connect + inform’, ‘supercharge’, ‘perform’, and ‘transform’. Inspired by Virgin Media O2’s ethos of connectivity, these zones are themed around cultural threads of influence that connect individuals with their passions, encompassing activities such as sports, streaming, gaming, music, dance, and a versatile arena space.
Sustainability was also a key driver in the design, with the ofice targeting WELL Platinum, and BREEAM Outstanding certifications. The Gensler design team integrated sustainable practices, including carbon tracking, resulting in approximately 630t of carbon saved through sustainable materials and strategies. Existing light fittings were also reused and repurposed to minimise environmental impact. Megan Dobstaff, design director at Gensler, says: ‘Our design for Virgin Media O2’s new London headquarters captures the essence of their purpose by offering diverse spaces that empower employees to connect and thrive as a united community. By collaborating closely with the workforce and focusing on their experiences, we created an inclusive environment that inspires collaboration and sparks creativity.’
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