Designed by Futurespace, the design strategy for Savills new Sydney digs was influenced by ABW methods, allowing for the breakdown of both physical and communication barriers to enable a more coherent, collaborative, team-accessible workplace.
With a 2,400m2 of space spanning over two floors, Futurespace had the opportunity to develop a smart design that would adhere to the Activity Based Working (ABW) method; changing the traditional structure of the office, and allowing for a more open and collaborative environment for both staff and clients alike.
Founder and Director of Futurespace, Stephen Minnett said, “The workplace changes people’s behaviours from individual ownership of space; from the ‘my desk’, ‘my office’ philosophy, to a more team-based community space. The previous conventional workplace was heavily loaded to only two physical settings – individual work positions or formal meeting rooms. The new workplace provides a much greater variety of settings both for Savills people and their clients.”
As an expert in property advisory, Savills needed a workplace that would allow them to show clients what the future of commercial property could look like. “People come to Savills to find the best solutions for their property requirements, so we had to create a workplace that would reflect this reputation. We did this with new thinking about how the space can support the business through flexible and agile solutions and by creating an Activity Based Workplace that supports the employees.”
What is so important about the ABW space is the ability for it to strip away literal communication barriers between employees.
Physically the space provides a blurring of the boundaries between staff and clients with a “Savills Club Space” that is available for both Savills people and their clients to use in a variety of ways with differing levels of formality. A new stair between the two levels links the “Savills Club Space” to the shared staff area on the floor below to facilitate interaction and communication. “The design of the space references hospitality spaces with a less corporate aesthetic than their previous conservative offices in 50 Bridge Street. Technologically, the space supports people working in more agile and mobile ways as well as better supporting presentations to large groups of people”, notes Minnett.
“Savills wanted to provide different settings in the workplace that encourage people to sit, stand and move throughout their day. We not only did this through the design of the physical space but bringing in ergonomic furniture like sit/stand desks,” said Mr Minnett. “We also designed a centrally located hub that attracts staff and clients to gather and interact, as well as many informal and open collaboration spaces for ad-hoc discussions.”
Futurespace’s design provides greater choices for the Savills’ employees in how they can most effectively work, but also provides choices for clients with the ability to meet in ways that are less traditional and more agile. The Managing Director of Savills NSW, Simon Fenn said: “At Savills, we have an entrepreneurial approach to business, so we needed a workplace that would support the way we work. Futurespace not only designed a space that showcases our reputation as a world-leading company, but reflects and supports our culture of being forward thinking and building long-term client relationships.”
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
Gray Puksand’s construction-focused facility at TAFE NSW responds to the critical need for a resilient Australian construction industry.
In our series spotlighting aficionados across the design industry, we spoke with Alexandra Guglielmino, who leads the Art Advisory team at Bluethumb Art Gallery.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Drawing on the concept of a watering hole as a gathering place in nature, GroupGSA has rejuvenated Sydney Water’s headquarters located in Parramatta.
In Malaysia Spacemen has created a world of perfumed wonder with their latest project, Trove, where treasures abound.