A unique heritage building has its enduring elegance enhanced. By Paul McGillick.

There can be few more iconic buildings in Australia than the MLC in North Sydney.

Designed by Bates Smart and McCutcheon, it opened in 1957 and, at the time, was the largest commercial building in the country and the first to have a glass curtain wall.

Then, in 2000, a major makeover of the interiors by Bligh Voller Nield introduced the ‘campus’ concept to Australia, initiating a revolution in workplace design.

So, it must have been with some sense of responsibility that DesignInc undertook a major re-design of the ground floor involving the entry lobby, reception and waiting areas, a new client centre with boardroom, AV connectivity, some small meeting rooms, an outdoor breakout area and a new mailroom and gymnasium.

Reflecting the new mood of transparency in the finance sector, MLC wanted to bring their customers into the business, interact and see for themselves how the company managed their funds.

For the full text turn to page 106 of Indesign #42 on newsstands now.

Photography by Steve Back