Inspired Gaming

The canvas was certainly dramatic – a single storey space with standout, vast dimensions, massive ceiling heights, approximately 90 windows, imposing architecture and a listed façade. We didn’t want to detract from the original architecture and were keen to protect the imperfections in the walls and to keep the history of the building, and those who had passed through it over the years, intact.

Adhering to this basic rule, ceilings were kept exposed and the original structural steels became a main feature, sprayed black to effect a modern industrial feel.

High level mechanical and electrical services were installed and left on display, including a full HVAC system. Air bricks were opened above each window to provide extraction and ventilation for the mechanical system and to allow the movement of fresh air. There was a lot of design and testing up front to ensure correct air flows and secondary glazing was fitted to all the windows throughout.

Led by the prospect of pursuing a sense of family and oneness to unite them and bring the disperse teams together, we designed a heart within the building where you enter to make a cup of tea, have your lunch and to socialise with each other. In short, this heart is a place to live, be nourished, find community and play. It provides a solid core.

There are also individual phone booth spaces, a town hall space, creative areas and a shared brainstorming space, complete with scribble items and boards.

We allowed ourselves to be influenced by the blade brand logo, carving the space up at random angles to create interesting, dynamic forms. The project demonstrates a sustainable element due to the reuse of much of the existing furniture from the previous offices and the reuse of the building itself with careful use of materials.

The overall concept proposal Office Principles delivered was a balance of what could be considered professional and edgy, rethinking the traditional Inspired workplace, enhancing the culture and reflecting the core principles and values of the business.

There is an equal mix of ‘we’ and ‘me’ as this new collaborative, shared space also recognises the need for solitude. We created balance and openness to support the different energies coming together for the first time and to provide a universal channel for those energies.