The brief called for a modern, integrated interior that would foster inter-departmental connections, yet allow for access control and security. Nineteen separate ‘back office’ departments have been consolidated into one building, creating an open working environment that accentuates the panoramic views out over the Jura Massif and Mont Blanc. The floorplates have been divided by a central support and circulation spine, marking out various departments while maintaining a sense of intimacy within the space.
Individual offices have been minimised to encourage interaction, with ‘pod’ meeting rooms available when confidentiality is required. These working areas are twinned with informal break-out spaces, providing ‘non-territorial’ locations for inter-departmental meetings. An employee cafe and lounge on the tenth floor features a generous roof terrace which maximises the stunning views.
Make have transformed a standard 14-storey office building into an intimate and inclusive space for over 1,100 staff, successfully balancing the global corporate identity of HSBC with its local context.