BlackRock

To remain integral to Edinburgh’s financial community, BlackRock's workplace needed to grow and develop from a team of 800 to a team of up to 1500.

Their ambitious plan required a complete relocation.

Conscious of their impact on the environment, it was important to BlackRock that they minimised waste and pollution. Refurbishing an existing building was the preferred and sustainable choice.

The complex site chosen, comprised a heritage building with a listed façade, a connecting ‘link’ and a modern atrium building. It had been vacated several years before and was at risk of deteriorating if it remained unoccupied and unheated. Guided by the environmentally conscious BREEAM design principles, it was thoughtfully refurbished to enhance environmental performance and occupant well-being.

The challenge was to maximise and connect the three spaces and provide the team with the contemporary working hub they sought. Their previous office layout was spread across a number of floors in a shared building therefore restrictive, desk-heavy and not adaptable to the contemporary working practices which the client had embraced elsewhere. Encouraging collaboration, less desk bound work and more interaction were priorities for their new location.

Early workshops with project leaders and colleagues, equipped our strategic consultancy team with the tools to deliver the changes required. The client’s change-management lead worked collaboratively with MLA to facilitate early stakeholder engagement. This included workshops, presentations to 200 colleagues in-person and 600 online, London office visits, and meetings with advocacy groups.

A global design guide provided a framework that was adapted for a local identity and ways of working. It gave brand guidance but without being too prescriptive.

Inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability were the main considerations. The vision was a destination workplace, welcoming to all, with a focus on staff well-being and retention.

‘Heritage’ was the inspiration for the ‘front-of-house’ area, reflecting the historic building and prestige of the location and the brand. Contrastingly, the atrium section was to have a vibrant ‘inner city’ hub look and feel.

Collaborative, social and quiet spaces were all included in the new design. Modular furniture and flexible layouts allow for easy reconfiguration to cater for events, team or focus work. But where possible existing furniture has been refurbished or reused, keeping waste to a minimum.

Designing a dynamic heart for the building was central to transforming the user experience. The connecting space had previously operated primarily as a thoroughfare between the two buildings. Repurposing this as an active, dynamic part of the floorplate created a welcoming hub and focal point viewed from the surrounding offices.

Facilitating presentations and performances in this central area, bleacher seating and a stage were added, connecting to the first-floor walkway.

Opening the perimeter brought in natural light and visual connection to other areas of the building. And by activating the edges with amenities e.g. yoga studio; games room; library; wellness suite; tech bar; café – it became the social heart of the building.

To further support the client’s goal of prioritising well-being - mothering rooms, multi-faith and wellness spaces were included on each floor. And encouraging active travel, end of journey, shower and changing facilities were provided along with a hospitality-style towel service.

Introducing colour and texture, brought to life the characteristics of the space for a fresh and contemporary identity. Colour and warmth, rather than branded primary colours, were chosen for a domestic ‘resimercial’ feel.

To bridge historic and modern elements, light timbers, stone and natural finishes were incorporated. The contemporary wall panelling in reception echoed the form of folded books, inspired by the printmaking heritage. And the influence of the client’s own tartan can be seen throughout in joinery, upholstery and flooring.

Aligning with the client’s other offices, changing working behaviour was an essential part of the relocation.

In their previous space, colleagues were desk-bound with limited movement and opportunities for interaction. Emphasis was put on the introduction of more collaborative spaces whilst balancing desk-based work requirements.

MLA consultants identified that fixed computers had kept colleagues tied to their desks. The solution was a ‘hire a laptop’ service and fully IT compliant provision for alternative settings.

The strategic consultancy team also worked with the change management lead to support colleagues with the new way of working. They were on-site to orientate colleagues, advise on accessible space and respond to concerns during transition to the new office.

From the start of the project, ‘customer’ experience was foremost. In-depth research with our strategic consultancy team established a people-centred brief for our client’s aspirational Edinburgh hub.

Designing a workspace that works for everyone, has resulted in an inclusive and accessible space with a focus on physical and mental well-being.

And achieving this through the re-use and refurbishment of an existing building has been especially rewarding for our environmentally conscious client.

By maximising the available area to achieve the wide variety of work settings required, MLA were able to deliver their exciting and dynamic vision. Their future ready workspace heralds an exciting new chapter for this company with huge benefit for the UK financial sector.