Project in Pictures: Work and Relax

If the walls of 200 Gray’s Inn Road could talk, they’d have a lot to say about the state of the world. Home to top-level media companies such as ITV and Warner Bros., as well as ITN—the UK’s biggest broadcaster the historic office building in the heart of London houses some of the city’s most valued work. As such it recently found itself undergoing renovations to reflect a more contemporary work culture.

The focus of the project was the ground floor and reception area, which were remodeled to produce a bright and open workspace reminiscent of a hotel lobby. A design by Conran and Partners and fixtures from Zumtobel help form an atmosphere that blurs the lines between work and leisure to create a “zen-like” location that encourages both work and recharging.

Sporting a spacious open-plan layout, the ground floor features greenery and an abundant amount of open space highlighted by the natural light from large ground-floor windows.

Round surface luminaires installed in exposed concrete ceilings provide uniform lighting and soft shadows for a cozy atmosphere, while downlights provide pinpoint accent lighting. Both luminaires are fitted to a special track solution that emphasizes the architecture without distracting from the interior concept.

Circular luminaires illuminate the front desk while the open space leading up to it encourages movement to the café and seating areas beyond. The idea behind the redesign was to extend the building envelope, creating a place that would contribute to employees’ wellbeing.

“Outtakes,” a café open to the public, encourages foot traffic through the lobby and ground floor. The space’s artificial lighting complements the high level of daylight found in the seating areas next to the café.