In terms of workspaces, the workplace offers a variety of work settings in accordance with Activity Based Working principles. These spaces, including flexible breakout spaces, dedicated project team and interactive digital review spaces, provide users with the flexibility to work in spaces that fit their requirements and preferences. A permeable design with an expansive void promotes connectivity and collaboration.
Emerging technologies are also prominent in the space. A purpose-built Maker Space enables testing and experimentation of ideas, while an Experiential Lab allows users to experience engineering principles and design experience through virtual reality. Specialty labs such as SoundLab and Light Lab let clients see, hear and experience collaborative designs prior to building.
Connectivity is enhanced throughout the workspace with one button connect-in video conferencing and video recording for easy knowledge sharing with Arup’s global offices, as well as people-locating touch screen software to identify available workspaces and meeting rooms on each floor.
Joseph Correnza, Principal and Member of the Australasian Board at Arup said: “Our new workplace puts Arup on show in what we do and who we are. Our experiential labs allow our clients and collaborators a unique insight and experience of our work. The design revolves around people, connectivity and flexibility – spaces can be reconfigured according to current and future needs of our people, our clients and our projects.”
Arup’s Melbourne workplace has been awarded a platinum WELL certification under WELL v2. WELL v2 by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) assesses buildings’ impacts on human health and wellness. The standard advocates 6 principles - equitable, global, evidence-based, technically robust, customer focused and resilient – and covers 11 concepts, including air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, community and innovation.
Arup explained some of the features of the workplace that has contributed to achieving the highest level of wellness certification:
- Enhanced Air Quality [Air, Materials]: Good air quality is achieved through careful material selection and good mechanical system design. Installation of an e-water system also eliminates the need for toxic chemicals for cleaning, thus reducing harsh chemicals in the workplace and airstream.
- Mindful Eating Promotion [Nourishment, Community]: In addition to complimentary vegetables and fruit, the office has facilities to promote the cooking of healthy meals such as portion-sized crockery choices. A dedicated communal eating space encourages staff to come together to eat.
- Circadian Lighting [Light]: Colour temperature can be adjusted via programmable RGB lamps to reflect circadian rhythm.
- Physical Activity Spaces [Movement, Mind]: End of trip facilities designed into the tenancy, a dedicated wellness space with programmed classes, and retreat space promote movement within the workplace.
- Thermal Comfort [Thermal Comfort]: Temperature gradients across the three floors allow staff to move between different temperatures to suit their preferences.
- Sound Mapping [Sound]: Zones with different acoustic characteristics are established and optimised for different types of work activities and styles. Finishes and materials in the rooms control reverberation time and sound insulation performance, achieved by carrying out acoustic planning early in the design process.
- Mental Health Promotion [Mind, Community]: Regular educational talks, mental health training for leaders, workplace mental health first aiders, as well as a wellness library with display references in the communal eating space ensure that employees’ mental health is taken care of.
The wellness features in the office also extend to the One Melbourne Quarter building, most notably through the 1000 sqm Sky Park, which, floating 12m above Collins Street, forms the entry into Arup’s office. The Sky Park encourages staff to recharge while Wi-Fi availability allows staff to work in a different environment.
Privately operated café, STREAT, operates in One Melbourne Quarter. STREAT, as a Melbourne-based social enterprise supporting disadvantaged youth, reflects Arup’s values of carrying out socially useful work to give back to communities.
One Melbourne Quarter is part of the 2.5Ha Melbourne Quarter precinct bringing an active commercial, residential and retail destination to Melbourne’s CBD. Lendlease, together with firms Fender Katsalidis, Denton Corker Marshall, Woods Bagot and urban design specialists Aspect Oculus have come together to design the mixed-use precinct which is expected to accommodate approximately 13,000 workers and 3,000 residents upon completion.
Cover Image: Arup’s Melbourne workplace in the Denton Corker Marshall designed building One Melbourne Quarter contains a multitude of features that promote user wellbeing. (Image: Arup)