At Arcadis, the focus of the workplace is shifting from "place first" to "needs-centric", and for this we need a more modern, multi-functional workplace that meets our changing needs. The workplace of the future should be about creating an environment that works for everyone.
For us, that means delivering more inclusive experiences, enhancing well-being, improving collaboration and innovation, and promoting a culture of trust, respect, and ownership. Arcadis has always been at the forefront of digitalization in the real estate industry, always looking for digital ways to improve the efficiency, sustainability and operation of buildings, and the same is true when designing our own office spaces. Arcadis Shanghai, Hong Kong, the UK and many other parts of the world are actively improving the way offices are designed and digitally operated. Arcadis Shanghai office is nearing completion of its renovation to provide employees with a more collaborative and digitally operational workspace.
Today we share with you the recently renovated Arcadis London office, and our solutions may inspire you.
Arcadis London's newly designed office at 80 Fenchurch Street provides an environment for collaboration, social connection and customer interaction.
© Arcadis London office 80Fen
We use a series of surveys and workshops to understand the physical and digital needs of our employees. From how often people want to enter the office, to how they use the space once they arrive, our UX design processes and tools help define the ideal employee experience, as well as facilitate the ideal smart building technology.
The results show that we need a fully flexible, functional space centered on employee needs and preferences. It will support the "behavior-based work" concept by providing a more diverse environment – including more than 20 different types of workspaces, from open-plan desks to collaborative and private workspaces, project areas, drop zones, call rooms and informal meeting areas, as well as purpose-built innovation zones and flexible event spaces.
© Arcadis London office 80Fen
How do we use technology?
The 'smart' feature has been embedded as a key design principle, and the space is equipped with Arcadis' own building intelligence software that helps people find the right space for their mission. The combination of mobile apps, room wizards, large, interactive displays, and screens all help improve the way people experience spaces. From desk reservations to morning coffee reservations, people's experiences have become central to the design process. It also means that free space can be "turned on" and "off" as needed, managing capacity and helping to reduce overall space requirements by more than 30%.
Building Smart Devices © Arcadis London Office 80Fen
When you combine flexible working with the sensors, machine learning, and management needs in buildings, it creates a colorful landscape where you can see how buildings operate and how people are engaged. At 80Fen, we record 1.85 million data points per day, which are fed back into our FM portal. This information allows us to use our space flexibly and use it flexibly in different ways. Continuous data collection means we can better test and adapt the environment if needed.
In addition to being able to make the most of space, smart buildings mean we can optimize energy and space maintenance and reduce the operational impact on the building. Sensors continuously monitor the indoor environment to reduce energy and water consumption or turn off lights when an area is unoccupied. At the same time, air quality and thermal comfort sensors regulate the environment to ensure people's comfort. This reduces heating, ventilation and air conditioning energy consumption by up to 75%, as well as lighting energy consumption by 25%.
Sustainable, healthy and well-being
80Fen's design philosophy is a collaborative workplace and a sustainable design best practice that emphasises the health and wellbeing of the workplace. It has a range of social spaces and wellness environments, including a quiet library, coffee lounge, winter garden, and contemplation and wellness rooms.
Winter Garden © Arcadis London Office 80Fen
The interior layout has been carefully designed to maximize light and space, emphasizing the biophilia of the workplace, with more than 1,100 species of plants planted. We also have 26 environmental sensors to monitor pollutants, fresh air rates and noise, and have installed low-energy LED lighting systems as well as products and finishes to minimize air pollution.
In addressing embodied carbon, 97% of waste during renovations will be diverted from landfills. In vacating our former offices, no waste was landfilled. More than 61,000 kg of equipment was reused or donated according to circular economy principles, for example kitchen equipment was donated to the London charity "Kitchens with Compassion"; Fourteen boxes of stationery were donated to local primary schools and Emmaus charities; Reused items include 450 monitors, stationery and pottery.
Peter Hogg, UK City Director, said:
A truly good workplace is a place where great work can be done. Whether it's innovation, collaboration, creativity, or just getting the ordinary job done. 80Fen provides such a workplace in a unique way, and what is even more difficult is that I can spend a wonderful time in such a powerful, sustainable place.
© Arcadis London office 80Fen
As one of the few tenants to sign a major lease in the City of London during the pandemic, we are committed to supporting business recovery and recognise the important role that physical office space can play, particularly in collaboration, social connections and better engagement with customers. However, this is a different type of space that reflects the changing needs of the workday and our employees.
© Arcadis London office 80Fen
In this regard, 80Fen is the embodiment of our strategy and way of working, where choice and flexibility are key. It's not just a makeover, it's a change in the way we use and curate space. By putting sustainability and digital leadership at the heart of 80Fen's design, we can adapt to the needs of our customers, colleagues and needs.