Hiscox’s new 38,000 sq ft London office at 22 Bishopsgate is a physical expression of its culture, energy and ambition. Oliver Marlow led a cross-disciplinary team of Creatives, including Studio TILT, on a vision to create the unique sculptural design, setting a new benchmark for creative workplace design.
The entrance features a specially commissioned video artwork on a 20 x 3 metre screen overhead, ‘More Than Us’ by Julie Freeman, re-defining what an ‘office’ looks like.
Additionally, Oliver convened an internal team of Hiscox employees through a ‘Creative Board’ to understand the brand and respond to the brief in an innovative way. The space connects Hiscox’s colleagues and clients in an intuitive and inclusive way, while being immersed in the specialist insurer’s extensive art collection which complements the entrance piece.
The office will add value not just to users of the space but also through its significant positive environmental impact. The building housing the office is the UK’s first shell and core to adhere to the WELL Building Standard, giving Oliver and the team the challenge – and foundation – to deliver an exciting space that meets strict environmental criteria.
From concept stage, the project focused on the embodied carbon implications of materials and the premises’ operational performance. The team advised the client to halve the initial three-floor plan, which had a substantial effect on the sustainability and materiality of the interior design and fit-out. Materials were sourced from within Europe for shorter supply chains and a lower carbon footprint, while original materials and fixtures were reused through the design.
Alongside the bold creativity, Oliver developed a strategic, data data-led approach to how the office could be used, including working rhythms that resonated with different employees. A set of work styles and activities were defined: meeting, hosting, collaborating, and focusing. The analysis identified employees’ preference to work in smaller teams and the need for both collaborative and focused work spaces. As a client and customer-facing organisation, one of Hiscox’s priorities was hosting space that could evoke the complexity of the work done throughout while showcasing a clear and distinct identity. The design, flow and interactions grew from a focus on Experience Design, rather than Architecture: designing for each unique individual, scaled through the Creative team and Creative Board into a cohesive and memorable destination.
Creativity and function meet in the display of the Hiscox Art Collection. Oliver worked with Hiscox curator Whitney Hintz to seamlessly incorporate art into the design, embellishing the visual appeal, sparking conversations and injecting the workplace with an engaging, gallery-like feel.
Along with Oliver and Studio TILT, this project brought together Ciszak Dalmas, Ferrari Studio, Studio ZNA and Workform to deliver a truly dynamic environment with people at its heart.