MEC and Cohn & Wolfe are two marketing and media agencies owned by worldwide communications firm WPP. When they moved to a shared location on prestigious Wilshire Boulevard, they had the opportunity not only to save on real estate costs, but also to create a fresh and energetic work environment.
The desire for a more social, collaborative atmosphere meant that many employees would be giving up private offices for a more open floorplan. Designers would have to make up for the loss of outdoor terraces, an asset of the previous location, by maximizing the connection to the outdoors through light and views.
The new space had to work harder and smarter, balancing privacy with team-building in the more open workspaces. Gathering spaces for collaboration and client meetings, as well as reception areas and a cafeteria, were also needed.
Management hoped the inevitable stress of relocating more than a hundred people would be offset by the fact that both companies would have a space designed especially for them, with increased function and a unique design aesthetic to complement their creative attitude.
A successful project begins with a clear vision, and the teams at MEC and Cohn & Wolfe convened a formal “visionary meeting” to discover the needs of the two companies, what they had in common, and how a new office design could bring the two agencies’ views and cultures together. When it was time to visit office furniture showrooms, they had a good idea of what they wanted.
In response, the design team took inspiration from Cohn & Wolfe’s credo, “Dig Deeper. Imagine More.” Pulling together examples of unique and creative projects for other clients, they presented solutions that resonated with decision-makers.
“Allsteel hit on our style, and we had a good vibe. They listened to us and heard our needs,” says Andy Cook, Cohn & Wolfe’s Director of Facilities.
返回办公室,墙壁被拆除,漫步19楼的洛杉矶景观占据了中心舞台。使用步伐面板的开放计划创建,以促进合作,并将几个单独的团队带入更密切的联系。从收集系列中升起,以及合并表,向公共区域增加灵活性和功能。
Described as a holistic project, the transformation of this office space involved full participation by the client, dealer, and design firm. The result is a showcase of modern design with an informal California vibe.
Employees are particularly pleased to have a space outfitted with brand-new furniture that fits their needs. And having a say in the choice of products boosted morale. The balance of open areas and individual workspaces gets ideas flowing while still providing a comfortable setting for heads-down work.
This melding of two companies and ideas is more than just a smart real estate investment. It gives creative professionals a better place to work and entertain clients, and it opens up a new relationship between teams and individuals.