Location: London, United Kingdom.

Architect: Perkins+Will.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has relocated from its Canary Wharf headquarters to a new single-building home in East London. The move was intended to create a space that reflected the ethos of the organisation, with staff wellbeing at its core. Sustainability and wellbeing were central to the project from the outset, with the entire professional team working closely together to deliver a bespoke office that met the FCA’s requirements while also providing flexible accommodation for the next two decades. The brief was compiled through a series of interviews, workshops and questionnaires, with key principles including clearly defined routes for staff and visitors, a direct route to the conference centre and auditorium, increased flexibility in meeting suites and working floors, and a catering offer as a vital staff amenity. The interior design was based on the user experience, staff wellbeing, sustainability and the FCA’s core values of professional excellence, backbone, curiosity and strength as a team. The workplace is split across 11 floors, with a large, centrally located atrium providing visual links and a dramatic staircase to encourage movement. The floors have been designed to encourage collaboration, with a typical arrangement allowing for maximum future flexibility of stack and ease of use. Sustainability, maintenance and ethical sourcing were at the heart of the specification process, with the Perkins+Will precautionary list of materials used to limit VOCs and improve indoor air quality. An extensive interior planting programme was designed to reinforce the connection with the outside, and a green roof minimises water run-off and promotes urban biodiversity. Bicycle storage and shower facilities are located at ground floor level, and a contemplation room is available for staff and visitor use. Approximately 15,000ft2 has been dedicated to a wellbeing suite, inclusive of a doctor/nurses’ office, occupational health office, first aid room, contemplation room, library/quiet area, treatment room and gym. Movement is encouraged throughout the day through planning principles and furniture selections, with 100% of workstations having motorised sit-stand functionality. The wellbeing programme is predicted to increase productivity over time, and it has been estimated that use of sit-stand desking could save up to £2m over the life of the lease on staff absence due to health-related issues.

Photo credit: Nick Guttridge.