How DLA Piper’s new Fit Out creates a learning landscape

Published by
Tess Ritchie
March 12, 2015

To produce a space that embodies the firm's key principles of creating an innovative workplace that provides flexible, future-oriented solutions and an environment that is a platform for a learning landscape, Woods Bagot chose CSM to provide the storage solutions for DLA Piper's new Sydney Offices.

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DLA’s new flagship office at No.1 Martin Place is part of the company’s global vision to broaden and deepen its client relationships by creating a combination of consistent visual elements that physically manifest the DLA Piper brand in the firm’s offices around the world.

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Woods Bagot combined a predominantly open workspace with enclosed spaces allowing the firm to achieve the right mix of connectivity, collaboration, confidentiality and efficiency, as well as providing future proofing for the next generation. Openness and concentrated spaces are highlighted with texture, colour, light and shade.

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“The move towards an open plan workspace promotes collaboration between key working relationships by breaking down physical barriers, signalling a shift in the culture. Through the provision of zoning and acoustics for confidentiality and privacy, the design provides workers with ample quiet and concentrative spaces to ensure staff and clients feel comfortable and considered” says Kate Gillies, Associate at Woods Bagot.

Shifting the culture away from being heavily reliable on hard copy documents, activity training is helping to change the way their people work. DLA Piper had been actively trying to reduce the amount of paperwork prior to moving into their new workspace. Working with storage consultant Mark Wallace from Space Smart, Woods Bagot determined the need for centrally located storage units for each department as well as a small amount of private storage on each desk.

CSM was chosen as the preferred supplier of storage products including their Infinity Open Bookcase and Evolution Sliding Door Cabinets for centralised department file storage, as well as Systems Shelving and Self Based Rolling Storage for larger scale storage options. All items were customised by CSM’s in house engineering team, and manufactured in their Sydney factory facilities. Being Australian designed, engineered and manufactured meant CSM’s products seamlessly blended with DLA Piper’s global objectives to celebrate local quality resources.

“CSM’s range of products have been well received and incorporated into the DLA Piper work environment. The functionality has worked in conjunction with the open plan layout whilst providing confidentiality within the integrated storage areas. The aesthetics of the products work well with the overall fit-out that DLA Piper has undertaken.”

Daniel O’Hehir
Services Manager, DLA Piper

Woods Bagot
woodsbagot.com

CSM
csm-office.com.au