Project Overview
Set over six floors within the Bonham Quay campus, Diligent’s coastal hub in Galway is the US software giant’s first pied-à-terre in Europe. Symbolically located on the Atlantic frontier of Ireland, it is the first port eastward of the Boston-based global HQ.
It is clear from Diligent’s decision to occupy the Bonham Quay site that this vast newworkspace would always be one rich in symbolism and meaning. The vision was one that would foster a greater sense of belonging and connection between American and European teams separated by 2,500 nautical miles. The space assumes the role of a transatlantic beacon, romantically looking out to sea in the knowledge that a familiar face looks back towards Ireland on the other side of the Atlantic.
For a brief so full of allegory, the scope for decision making was broad. Unispace designers set about drawing inspiration from the landscapes in which Bonham Quay is located. The wild seascape of Atlantic coast, the nautical, maritime lifestyle of the City of Galway, the manmade and the natural combine to create a space that is an interior reflection of the outward, coastal landscape.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Lesley Kelly (Unispace Ireland’s studio representative) is a qualified and celebrated architect having worked internationally, producing designs on behalf of a wealth of clients.
Ola Klaus has worked as a designer for 14 years and has crafted design solutions for clients including Boston Scientific, RTÉ, Volvo and DLA Piper for for projects across Ireland.
David McGovern is a seasoned construction professional, offering over 20 years’ industry experience that facilitates an efficient and meticulously planned project delivery.
Last, but by no means least, Unispace’s man on the ground is George Doran, who like David, boasts well over 20 years’ industry experience, in addition to a wealth of construction management knowledge and skill.
Project Brief
Strategically, the new workspace would be one that facilitates a very fluid approach to work that is far from static, consisting of different workspace zones to and from which Diligent’s team members can ebb and flow in a natural manner, mirroring the embarkation and docking of ships, as individuals chose to set sail for work in the office or hold anchor at dock and work from home
Shape and form would be influenced by the geometric and triangular features of maritime signal flags, boats, yachts and ships that sail in and out of the harbour, in addition to the shape and movement of waves and seagulls; all are features of the external location that are creatively reimagined within the interior of Diligent’s new workspace.
From an ebb and flow perspective, the dynamism of the landscape played a major role in the configuration of a workspace that would support a dynamic and growing organisation. The sea is far from a static entity and the harbour sees the constant passage of boats and ships that are the very lifeblood of the historic port.
Lighting was highlighted as a key feature of the project with different lighting of differing lumens (brightness) to create a range of atmospheres to enhance zoning, reinforce designated zone activities and produce an intimate and comfortable space to which both team members and colleagues will want to return time and time again.
Project Need
Adopting an holistic approach to project delivery, which at Unispace encompasses workplace design conception and development, and construction as an integrated service all delivered by a single team, housed under one roof, execution of the project was a measurably successful and hassle-free process.
The Unispace teams were faced with a tight deadline with a period of 17 weeks earmarked for the realisation of theproject. While the team at Diligent took an active interest in the progression of the project, they largely allowed the Unispace team to crack on uninterrupted.
At first floor level, Unispace designed an executive suite of spaces, consisting of a welcome / reception area with pantry, meeting rooms, an adjustable town hall area and collaboration spaces. The design blends hospitality and workspace with social spaces for presentations and pitches, all of which are customisable thanks to the incorporation of bespoke joinery and folding walls. The resulting space is an organic one that adapts to the day’s needs and requirements of the occupants; a space in constant flux and motion mirroring the movement of thetides and passage of maritime vessels.
Design Challenge
A key element of the design that was compiled on behalf of Diligent was the integration of a suspended ceiling, angular in form and dual-purposed, adding both aesthetic value and enhancing acoustic qualities within the space. Components of making up the ceiling are coloured grey and red, Diligent’s brand colours, which helps reinforce a sense of brand identity and foster belonging within the space.
The installation of this key feature of the space was one of the more arduous phases of the project build. In order to ensure the creation of an ambiance in line with the design vision, it was first of all necessary to paint all of the structural ceiling black to darken the space and produce an effective contrast against the lighting installations that would follow during the latter stages of the build.
A considerable portion of the project spend was directed to the incorporation of high-quality furniture, fixtures, fittings and joinery. Choices were considered and drew inspiration from the harbour opposite the Quay campus to reinforce the angular and nautical theme that ties the suite of spaces together. Timber shelves and lockers (reminiscent of driftwood and traditional ship building materials) equip the space with storage, while simultaneously contributing to the zoning of the space.
Sustainability
The Bonham Quay campus is a collection of buildings that are WELL Gold accredited and a One Planet Living building, meaning that the shell itself was already recognised for boasting environmental credentials and as such, Unispace’s ambition was to imbue the interior with the same level of environmental stewardship.
Acoustic panels that form the partitions of meeting rooms and focus spaces are fabricated from recycled materials, while carpets and floor finishes have been specifically chosen for their incorporation of a high percentage of sustainable materials from sustainable sources.
Making visible the sustainable credentials of materials within the space reinforces a sense of environmental stewardship among team members and a greater awareness of the environmental credentials of the building, thus fostering a greener approach to practices within the space, enhancing overall wellbeing and satisfaction among Diligent team members.
In addition to the select choice of materials, sustainability within the supply chain was heavily promoted during the course of construction. Unispace engaged as many local suppliers and sub-contractors as possible, with mechanical and electrical trades both coming from Galway itself. Not only did this involve locals within the project, it helped offset the carbon footprint of the build by minimising logistical routes and supporting other local organisations and businesses.
Interior Design - International Commercial
Open to all international projects this award celebrates innovative and creative building interiors, with consideration given to space creation and planning, furnishings, finishes, aesthetic presentation and functionality. Consideration also given to space allocation, traffic flow, building services, lighting, fixtures, flooring, colours, furnishings and surface finishes.
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