HB Reavis London: A Showcase of Future-Proof Workspace Design

Evolution Design's Award-Winning Office Space Prioritizes Employee Wellbeing

HB Reavis London, a project that started in November 2016 and was completed in February 2019, is a testament to the importance of employee wellbeing in modern office design. The office space, which spans 1088 square meters, was designed to address common health issues associated with modern offices such as lack of mobility, poor lighting, substandard air quality, limited food choices, and stress. The design team aimed to empower employees by enabling them to choose the most suitable work setting for their tasks, thereby reducing stress levels.

What sets HB Reavis London apart from other office spaces is its adherence to the International WELL Building Standard guidelines and a user-centered design approach. The office is equipped with sensory technologies that assess in real time whether the spaces are operating as they should. These technologies measure CO2, noise, luminance, temperature, and air quality. Furthermore, employees can adjust meeting room lighting and shade to fit their needs, thanks to a low-energy Bluetooth tag that works in tandem with Quuppa locators in the ceiling.

The workspace concept is aimed at promoting a project-based approach, which encourages the breakdown of departmental silos and makes working across different teams simpler and more accessible. This is achieved by combining activity-based work with hot-desking. Instead of having assigned individual workstations, there are flexible team areas fitted with shared sit/stand desks, as well as meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, creative rooms, and spaces for individual work.

Throughout the design process, the design team interacted closely with the users, gaining valuable insight into the daily workings across projects and departments. This interaction led to a finely balanced spatial design that enables employees to be more productive in their daily work challenges. The design team also conducted quantitative research to back up the findings of the user workshops.

HB Reavis London is not just about developing smart building technologies, but also about understanding the culture behind meetings, work styles, and different departments. By observing how people interact with their workspace, the design team was able to create a workplace that puts people at the heart of all operations. This innovative approach to office design earned HB Reavis London the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019.

In conclusion, HB Reavis London, designed by Evolution Design, is a shining example of a future-proof work environment that prioritizes employee wellbeing. By adhering to the International WELL Building Standard guidelines and implementing a user-centered design approach, the design team was able to create a state-of-the-art workspace that addresses the health issues associated with modern offices and empowers employees to choose the most suitable work setting for their tasks.