Gensler prioritized sustainability in the completion of McCann Worldgroup‘s offices in London, England.

The aim was to create a workspace that was conducive to collaboration, cohesion and creative thinking whilst celebrating each agency’s specialism, individuality and independence. Renovated with eclectic and eccentric spaces which will adapt to their resident’s needs over the years, the design complements McCann Worldgroup’s culture and delivers smarter, more flexible working options and spaces which encourage idea-sharing, connections and social interaction. Our imaginative transformation has created a vibrant, collaborative, healthy and sustainable headquarters.

The aim was to create a workspace that was conducive to collaboration, cohesion and creative thinking whilst celebrating each agency’s specialism, individuality, and independence. It was necessary that at every stage of this journey, we engaged with McCann Worldgroup’s employees in a participatory process with workshops, surveys, activity analysis, interviews and site visits, helping us turn a warren of small, fearful spaces into an imaginative, fearless workplace.

The flexibility of the space and its design will enable it to be used efficiently despite changes in operational requirements. Multi-use spaces and a largely open-plan layout ensure the space can cope with future changes. The floorplan incorporates freestanding furniture solutions that will enable the workplace to comfortably accommodate additional staff. Furthermore, by creating a ‘timeless’ design aesthetic the space has greater longevity. The general lighting layout was agnostic to the general furniture layout, therefore, allowing layout re-configurations and future flexibility.

The physical design of the space encourages sustainability, health and wellbeing, as do many of the initiatives and policies which McCann Worldgroup have put in place – helping perpetuate a nurturing and forward-thinking company culture. As advocates of equality, diversity and inclusion, the HQ provides a designated prayer room providing privacy for religious observance. The spaces have also been designed to support users to achieve their physical, mental and emotional best at all times. The project offers escape spaces, it’s mindful of sensory stimuli and provides transition zones between working areas to enable workers to recalibrate their senses. 135 Bishopsgate offers spaces that are bold and bright as well as pared-back and quiet, allowing the user to choose the setting that is right for them.

To ensure a strong sustainable foundation, the new McCann Worldgroup HQ has sustainability at its core. Built to a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and with a fit-out that’s been awarded the LEED Sustainability Certification, the project is grounded in environmentally responsible principles.

Where possible materials and products have been sourced locally, and the reuse of existing furniture and equipment from the former studios has aided the reduction of waste and the optimisation of cost. We ensured that as many materials and products specified throughout have an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) – helping us to understand the environmental consequences and potential impacts of the products throughout their entire lifecycle.

Design: Gensler
Contractor: BW: Workplace Experts
Photography: Mark Cocksedge

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