Waterside, Office building in Harmondsworth, United Kingdom
Waterside comprises six four-story buildings linked by a glass-covered internal street roughly 175 meters long, with elevated walkways connecting different sections. The complex provides meeting rooms, a restaurant overlooking a garden, a library, and direct access to underground parking.
Designed by Norwegian architect Niels Torp, this headquarters opened in 1998 to consolidate operations from fourteen separate office locations into one location. The project marked a major shift toward unified workplace organization.
Different sections of the building are organized around world geography themes, with dedicated spaces displaying art and sculptures by artist Andy Goldsworthy. The layout encourages visitors and workers to move through spaces that reflect these geographic inspirations.
Entry through the main entrances is straightforward and easily accessible from public pathways, with clear signage to guide you through the layout. The internal corridors and elevated walkways are well-organized, making navigation simple even on your first visit.
The complex operates on an open workspace principle where staff members choose their work areas based on daily needs rather than fixed departmental assignments. This flexible approach represented a forward-thinking model for workplace organization when it first opened.
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