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Challenge
Deliver a flagship Manchester office to support Allianz’s new flexible working strategy and provide an amazing employee experience.
Insight
Logistics were considered, planned and executed with precision to deliver this fast-track project within just eight weeks.
Solution
A state-of-the-art workplace ready to meet the challenges of an evolving future, supporting development, growth and learning.
Deliver a flagship Manchester office to support Allianz’s new flexible working strategy and provide an amazing employee experience.
Logistics were considered, planned and executed with precision to deliver this fast-track project within just eight weeks.
A state-of-the-art workplace ready to meet the challenges of an evolving future, supporting development, growth and learning.
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Allianz wanted to move their flagship office into a building that could support their new flexible working strategy. We designed and built the new workspace, with a much quicker turnaround than a company of their size is historically used to.
Everything begins with insight
To begin with, we ran a workplace consultancy workshop with key stakeholders to understand the drivers of the project and establish what they wanted to achieve with their new workplace.
It’s now interesting to note that the initial consultation was before March 2020.
The Time Utilisation Study we carried out at that time concluded the team didn’t need as much space. Allianz were confident they could successfully reduce the size of their office – and make the space better.
One shot drone tour of Allianz Manchester offices
The COVID effect
After we completed the engagement exercises, the world was put on pause by COVID. Allianz placed complete emphasis on home working while they re-evaluated their strategy.
The greatest testament to the initial pre-COVID designs for the new workplace was that they didn’t need to be changed. Everything was already focused on being agile.
Design demands decisions
Allianz wanted to create an amazing experience for their people, focused on wellbeing, collaboration and connection.
To do this successfully, they needed a better building for a better workplace experience.
Building for experience
Allianz’s new home is in Manchester’s Landmark building. This is a state-of-the-art Grade A office space in the premier business district of St Peter’s Square, with enviable connectivity to the city’s tram network.
Importantly, Allianz and Landmark have a shared outlook on the importance of wellbeing in the workplace:
“Landmark acknowledges that wellbeing has a direct influence on productivity. They have embraced this by integrating everything from huge natural light sources for improved productivity to excellent air quality and ventilation rates. In addition, mindfulness and wellness classes, fitness and mental health support workshops are also provided.”
Sustainability is a key value for Allianz. Designed by architects Squire and Partners, the 13-level Landmark building is equipped with solar panels and electric car charging points, as well as sensors for lighting and taps, and there’s storage for recyclable materials and a bicycle hub. Rated excellent for its sustainability, according to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), it represents the most modern space you could possibly get in a thriving city.
Meeting the challenge
Time was of the essence for all involved in this fast-track eight-week project. To complicate things further, the building also had two other fit-out projects taking place simultaneously. This meant planning and executing logistics with precision to deliver on time.
The first floor was the only floor in the building with a vaulted, high-level ceiling (4m). To address this, we brought features down to a 2.7m level so when you’re in a breakout space or client lounge, it doesn’t feel so vast.
Continuing the drive towards a more intimate and welcoming space, we also treated it with acoustics and put in feature lighting as a key focus.
Achieving the best working environment in this feature-rich building required the utmost creativity, commitment and coordination from our team.
An office with purpose
There are two distinct functions of the space: a training area and a secure micro office.
We installed two-folding walls for open-plan meetings and presentations for both functions and a future-proof AV solution to meet their long-term needs. Amazon devices are synced with all hardware for voice activation and control, and each meeting/focus room has independently controlled lighting and scene-setting.
Good to go
Collaborative spaces, training areas and breakout environments account for most of the 14,000 sq. ft. footprint, with workstations only taking up around half the floor plate.
This new Allianz workplace supports development, growth and learning. Taking lessons and cues from the contemporary world, it’s now ready to meet the challenges of an evolving and adaptable future.
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