Managing multiple office moves
Achieving organisational change at the same time as managing several office moves was a major challenge for Network Rail. We began by learning about what they wanted the ‘Agile Working’ concept to mean in practice and visited their other offices to speak to their staff.
The challenge of the building itself was to locate activities appropriately within the deep floor plates. A range of workspaces were provided encouraging staff to move within the space for specific tasks. Perimeter workspaces took advantage of natural light to promote staff wellbeing and reduce energy use. Meeting rooms and specialist working zones are deeper within the building arranged along internal ‘streets’.
Network Rail set high targets for energy efficient, sustainable design and the project achieved the targeted BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.
Delivering public and private spaces
We wanted to get under the skin of generic workspace design and tailor the space for the specific needs of Network Rail. Our design allows for both collaborative working and private concentration, promoting wellbeing and productivity. Staff can choose an environment appropriate to the task: an informal alcove sofa, bookable meeting rooms, private acoustic booths, the Deli Bar, dedicated training and seminar suites or simply a desk. Specialist tasks were given unique solutions; the Signalling Design Group needed to be able to overlay large drawings so we designed bespoke light-benches to improve their workflow.
Speed was the key to this project, the expiry of existing leases set an unmoveable deadline and we achieved an 11-month turnaround from the first meeting to moving in. Baskerville House has become an exemplar of best practice and Network Rail have commissioned further offices from WW+P in Cardiff and Swindon.
We are really pleased with what’s been delivered. Baskerville House is a magnificent building and ideal for our agile-working requirements
Awards
Shortlisted Fit out of Workplace
BCO Midlands Awards 2017