City Road - Atelier Ellis Architects

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Project Objectives

The City Road project involved the design and management of a 11-floor collaborative workspace for WeWork. Scott acted as the Architect and Design Manager, tasked with delivering a flexible, innovative environment that adhered to WeWork’s established design guidelines while incorporating a unique Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic. The project objectives were to create a visually striking yet highly functional workspace that caters to the needs of modern professionals. Key goals included designing private offices, event spaces, and meeting rooms that foster collaboration and creativity. The space was also to include amenities such as bike storage, shower facilities, and pet-friendly provisions.

Design Concept

The design concept merged WeWork’s distinctive brand with a Bauhaus twist, marrying functionality with artistic simplicity. Bauhaus design principles, known for their focus on clean lines, geometry, and the blending of art with craft, were seamlessly integrated into the space’s architecture and interiors. The focus was on creating open, dynamic environments that encourage interaction, while private offices and meeting rooms retained a sleek, professional atmosphere. The use of bold colours, modern materials, and modular furniture reflected both the timeless appeal of Bauhaus and the dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit of WeWork.

Challenges

One of the primary challenges of the City Road project was balancing the strict adherence to WeWork’s established global design guidelines with the creative freedom to inject a unique Bauhaus flair. WeWork’s design standards are deeply rooted in their brand identity, so ensuring that the Bauhaus influence enhanced rather than diluted the overall concept required careful consideration and collaboration with stakeholders. Another significant challenge involved coordinating the construction and implementation of multiple floors, while minimising disruption to the surrounding area and ensuring timely delivery. Additionally, integrating state-of-the-art amenities like bike storage, shower facilities, and pet-friendly spaces into the design, without compromising aesthetic and functionality, proved demanding.

Budget

The budget for the City Road project reflected the high-end yet functional nature of the space, aiming to provide a premium work environment while remaining within reasonable cost constraints. WeWork is known for their expansive and aesthetically engaging spaces, so part of the budget allocation focused on sourcing quality materials and ensuring durability in high-traffic areas.

Budget allocations were carefully managed across various aspects of the project. Key considerations included:

Fit-out Costs: The fit-out budget covered everything from the bespoke interiors to the innovative lighting solutions and custom Bauhaus-inspired furniture pieces.
Amenities: A substantial portion of the budget was dedicated to integrating essential amenities such as bike storage, shower facilities, and spaces for pets, which are essential features for today’s workspaces.
Technology Integration: Cutting-edge technology was incorporated into the meeting rooms, event spaces, and communal areas to support a seamless working experience. Smart systems, advanced AV setups, and state-of-the-art connectivity were integrated to ensure WeWork’s members had access to the tools they needed to succeed.
Construction Costs: Ensuring that the building’s infrastructure could support the design vision required substantial investment in construction. Maintaining the building’s aesthetic while adhering to building regulations and safety standards necessitated careful planning and cost control.

Despite the constraints, the project was completed within budget through efficient project management and effective negotiation with contractors and suppliers. The focus on maintaining quality while ensuring cost-efficiency contributed to the project’s overall success.

Background/Context

WeWork, a global leader in flexible workspaces, has revolutionised the way people work by providing beautifully designed shared office environments that cater to freelancers, start-ups, and established businesses alike. City Road, located in the heart of London’s bustling tech and business hub, presented an opportunity for WeWork to expand its presence in the city by creating a state-of-the-art workspace that reflects the area’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

The client’s brief was to create a workspace that was not only practical but also reflective of WeWork’s collaborative ethos. The building needed to serve as a hub for creativity, where companies and individuals could thrive in a supportive and aesthetically pleasing environment. The location’s proximity to the City of London and Shoreditch made it ideal for attracting a wide variety of professionals from tech startups to creative industries and established corporations.

Architectural Approach

The architectural approach was guided by the desire to create a workspace that fosters creativity and collaboration, while also providing ample private areas for focused work. Scott, acting as the Architect and Design Manager, developed a design that took full advantage of the building’s height and floor space. The layout maximised natural light, creating an open and airy environment that promoted well-being and productivity.

Drawing inspiration from Bauhaus design principles, the architectural language was defined by simplicity, functionality, and a bold use of colour. Clean lines and geometric forms were used to create a sense of order and rhythm throughout the space, while the use of glass, steel, and concrete offered a modern, industrial feel that aligned with the urban surroundings. The open-plan workspaces were designed to encourage interaction, while the private offices and meeting rooms were laid out in such a way as to offer privacy without feeling isolated.

Interior Design

The interior design of the City Road WeWork space was an exciting opportunity to blend the company’s existing guidelines with a fresh, Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic. The use of colour, geometry, and materials was central to the design, with a palette of bold, primary colours and contrasting black and white tones creating a dynamic visual experience. Custom furniture, inspired by Bauhaus designers such as Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, was incorporated throughout the space, combining functionality with artistic flair.

Communal areas, such as the lounges and event spaces, were designed to be flexible, with movable furniture and modular setups that could be adapted to suit various uses. The meeting rooms were equipped with the latest technology, while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic that kept distractions to a minimum. The private offices offered a quieter, more focused environment, with custom-designed desks and ergonomic seating to ensure comfort and productivity.

One of the standout features of the design was the seamless integration of amenities. The bike storage area, shower facilities, and pet-friendly spaces were carefully designed to ensure they were both functional and in keeping with the overall aesthetic. The shower facilities, for instance, were designed with sleek, modern fittings and a neutral colour palette, creating a spa-like atmosphere that offered a refreshing break from the workday.

Sustainability

Sustainability was a key consideration throughout the design process. Environmentally friendly materials were used wherever possible, including recycled materials for the flooring and furniture. Energy-efficient lighting and heating systems were installed to reduce the building’s carbon footprint, and the layout was designed to maximise natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

Additionally, the design incorporated biophilic elements, including indoor plants and green walls, to improve air quality and create a healthier working environment. These elements not only contributed to the building’s sustainability but also enhanced the well-being of those using the space.

Technology Integration

Technology played a critical role in the design of the City Road WeWork space. The meeting rooms were equipped with cutting-edge AV systems, allowing for seamless video conferencing and presentations. High-speed internet was provided throughout the building, and smart systems were installed to control lighting, heating, and security. This technological infrastructure ensured that the space met the needs of today’s digital workforce, while also future-proofing the building for years to come.

"We were absolutely thrilled with the final result of the City Road project. Scott and the team managed to take our established design guidelines and breathe new life into them with a unique Bauhaus twist. The space is both functional and visually stunning, with every detail thoughtfully considered. The balance between open collaborative areas and private offices is perfect, and our members love the flexibility and style of the space. We’ve had fantastic feedback from everyone who uses the building, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome."

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The design and management of a 11-floor collaborative workspace for WeWork.