He says that whilst knowing the building would be in use by creative industries did give a sense of freedom regarding the design, ‘it was clear that the building needed to deliver value to ensure we created affordable workspaces.’ These, he notes, are still in shortage in West London.
They are now working on a variety of projects from residential extensions, student housing, and even a boutique hotel on the Isle of Skye.. GWS is their first HQ.Prior to taking the space they were doing a mix of working at home and in coffee shops.
‘Moving in here has made me realise that there are some really bad office spaces out there,’ says Shaun, ‘but this place makes you realise that an environment can make you work harder and make you happier.You spend so much time at work, it’s really important.I feel really happy coming here.
It’s a place that is conducive to creating great architecture.’.Khalifa agrees, ‘having a space has made a huge difference.
The open nature of the building really helps me.
I like walking around to see what the other studios are putting up on their walls.Martin Wood describes the concentration for the design of the hospital as being on efficiency of flow, in a way that ‘owes more to manufacturing processes, owes more to buildings that are directly about efficiency in outcome.’ However, he notes that at Circle this doesn’t compromise the user experience in the least.
‘Emphasis on value,’ he says, ‘does not necessarily mean that it precludes the use of interesting architectural form.’ Rather, the opposite.The atrium aids with facilitating natural and easy way-finding, says Wood, adding that the building’s concentration on flow efficiency, as well as the sense of legibility the space provides, actually lends itself to a reduction in stress.
‘Everything is self explanatory,’ he says.‘There is no need for signs.