To design headquarters office complexes, we first analyse the organisation to understand its departments, working methods, connectivity, size and future directions. From this analysis, we create organisational diagrams that reflect the physical space of each department or function, together with its connectivity to other departments.
Vertical and horizontal communications are determined by the size of the largest and smallest departments, as well as their connectivity. The number of external walls and the depth of office space are influenced by the ratio of enclosed rooms to open offices in each department.
Connectivity by walking provides good communications. Three to five floor stacks of office accommodation offer the best connectivity as people will choose to walk up or down one level by stairs. Good visual and physical connectivity between people and the functions of an organisation can be achieved not only by interconnecting stairs, but also by voids and good view lines.
A modern office building is essential to creating a live-work environment with breakout spaces, indoor-outdoor spaces and planting. Staff communal facilities, such as canteens and sports centre encourage interaction by being conveniently located near all office spaces. Conferencing and exhibition facilities may require ease of access to the public as well as to the staff, whilst key management and board functions will be located for the best views, security and access for key staff and VIPs.
Headquarters buildings should be designed to be flexible and adaptable to accommodate the organisation’s future growth and changes, as well as fitting within the existing parameters. Headquarters office buildings powerfully reflect the corporate beliefs and aspirations of an organisation, and accommodate its functions in a practical and efficient manner.
Watch the video to explore Headquarter Building Design with our Chairman & Founder, Global Principal Designer Keith Griffiths
