Programme
12 weeks workplace consultancy.
6 weeks design development.
6 weeks construction phase.
The Brief
Young Minds wanted to create a space that really celebrated what they do and also creates an environment where everyone, including their activists, could be together and feel comfortable in. In order to achieve this, we worked closely with the Young Minds team prior to the move on a workplace consultancy piece to really help us understand what they needed from their new space. The consultancy consisted of staff engagement surveys, desktop working analysis, furniture audits and a building search analysis.
Combined with the look and feel of India House, the space is one that balances industrial finishes with the endearing personality of Young Minds. Upon entering the space you instantly get a sense of arrival at Young Minds with the bold branding and personal pictures in the reception area which gives a homely and welcoming feel.
We created 3 “formal” meeting rooms which included Young Minds vibrant brand colours on the walls and furniture whilst functionally these can be used in various ways as we have put AV and white boards in all of these rooms. In addition to these we have an enclosed “informal” meeting room with soft furniture which lends it self to different sorts of meetings, as well as a quiet room with no whiteboards or AV purely for 1:1 or small groups to get away from work and reset. There are also a number of varied sized booths which are more tucked away to allow for teams to have quick meetings without the need of occupying a room.
The breakout is really the heart of the space. Not only does it include their teapoint facilities but it has been designed to be used as a presentation space with a projector that can drop down. We designed in different seating styles and heights to encourage different uses of the space. Dining height table and chairs encouraging people to eat their rather then at their desks. Bench seating allows for informal meetings for larger seating. Window seats are used for coffee catch up but also allows for extra poufs to be tucked away until they are needed for larger presentations. High stools lets people chat to others whilst they are preparing lunch etc. and all of these encourage a different working environment.
One of the key features that really draws people to the breakout area is the large wall motif, “You Are Not Alone”. This was designed in collaboration with Young Minds and their activists to get the voices of the young people heard. The statement came from Young Minds with the pattern being part of their branding. The messages within the pattern are all personal from the activists. It was important the placement of the wall motif was in a area that works in bringing people together and the breakout really encourages this.