Cambridge Assessment by Eric Parry Architects

CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT

Lifting the Spirits “I think Triangle triumphantly fulfils Cambridge Assessment’s vision for the project. It is a building with real presence that makes the most of its position and the idiosyncratic shape of the plot.

The internal spaces and vistas are magnificent and we now have an environment that staff both enjoy and are proud to work in (very important in the competitive Cambridge labour market). We are also unusual as a business in having a large demand for meeting rooms to house the several thousand examiners who visit us each year, and the emphasis during the design process that was put on integrating these within the flow of the building, and thinking through how to improve the user experience has really paid off.

Cambridge is a demanding environment in which to build at this scale and Triangle occupies a commanding situation coming into the city by train from the south. It is a great testament to the EPA’s vision and Bouygues accomplishment that it does so with such grace, style and panache and the enthusiasm with which it has been received by staff and neighbours is a compelling testament to that.”

Simon Lebus CEO Cambridge Assessment

The building provides 350,000 sqft (NIA) of new office and amenity space for 3,000 people in a group of connected wings around raised and landscaped courts and gardens.

History

Established over 150 years ago, Cambridge Assessment operates and manages the University of Cambridge three examination boards and carries out academic and operational research on assessment in education.

The new Cambridge Assessment headquarters responds to a significant organisational change by housing their staff, three business units and corporate activities together from multiple buildings into a single environment for a more efficient operation.

Brief Central to the brief for a new Cambridge Assessment headquarters was creating a distinct, modern and attractive working environment that would promote staff wellbeing (with a particular emphasis on light and airy spaces) and promote improved interaction and communication between parts of the business.

Eric Parry Architects were appointed in 2013 to design the new headquarters following a limited competition. BDP worked on the interiors, enhancing the design of the spaces and their quality, providing an outstanding collaborative and flexible environment, highlighting the organisation’s brand presence.

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The Site

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The Triangle - Cambridge Assessment

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The Triangle Cambridge Assessment Cambridge Railway Station Pembroke College

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King’s College Christ’s College River Cam

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Entrance Courtyard North Wing South Wing Podium Gardens

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Rear Garden North Car Park Entrance South Car Park Entrance Cycle Lane

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Guided Bus Lanes Railway Line Shaftesbury Road

Initial Concept Drawing by Eric Parry

The Building The building maximises the triangleshaped site with a fork-like plan configuration to the north and a L-shaped plan layout to the south. Both are connected by a link building which also houses the main reception.

It is easily accessible by foot and by cycling; nearby guided bus stops and Cambridge Train Station provide excellent connections.

It is generously surrounded by landscape, two courtyard gardens and has three raised - landscaped podium gardens at first floor level. The cycle and car parking are provided under the podia avoiding the need of any basement and making the building fully accessible.

Examination and meeting rooms are located at ground floor level for easy access for visitors and examiners. General office areas for staff are provided in the upper floors. The link houses collaboration spaces and a cafĂŠ area where more informal meetings can happen.

A generous restaurant area is adjacent to the garden courtyard at ground floor, providing catering services for staff and visitors.

Drawing by Eric Parry

Cambridge Assessment Exploded Axonometric (NTS) Tower Meeting Rooms

TOWER MEETING ROOMS

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Green Roof / Plant / PVs

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Upper Floors (GF-4)

UPPER FLOORS (GF-4)

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3 Landscaped Podium Gardens

PODIUM GARDENS

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Ground Floor Accommodation

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Garden Courtyard

GARDEN COURTYARD GROUNDSCAPE

Groundscape Car Parking, Cycle Stores, Hard Landscape

CAR PARKING, CYCLE STORES, HARD LANDSCAPE

Site Boundary

SITE BOUNDARY

Organisation Cambridge Assessment’s move from multiple buildings across Cambridge into one new home provided a unique opportunity and catalyst for new brand, culture and significant business growth.

As such the brief aspired towards a high quality building that was flexible and able to respond to the organisational needs for many years allowing the business to grow and evolve, whilst attracting and retaining the best staff.

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A generous and welcoming main reception space capable of handling large numbers of staff members and visitors

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An easy and level access to site for staff and visitors

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Welfare facilities, changing and shower provision for cyclists

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A ground floor level serving one of the primary functions of the organisation. 80 meeting rooms and three large seminar suites providing spaces for examination

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A fourth floor is provided but not fully fitted out, this allows for considerable future growth capacities

To provide: ›

An exemplary sustainable and innovative office building setting new quality in Cambridge

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Generous green spaces

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Enhanced collaborative opportunities through mobile and flexible workspace

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Wellbeing Centre to further enhance staff’s environment and their wellness

The most energy efficient and fully integrated building with central building management system

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Archive and dedicated office space to store and preserve their most prized historic assets

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Ground Floor Plan 1:2000

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Entrance Courtyard Reception Examination / Meeting Rooms Restaurant

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Auditorium Cycle and Car Parking Garden Courtyard Archive

First Floor Plan 1:2000

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Double Height Atrium Collaboration Area & CafĂŠ Open Plan Office

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South Podium Garden North Podium Gardens Meeting Room in Tower

Flexible Workspace Flexible, airy and generous working spaces with fully accessible amenities was a fundamental part of the organisation’s ambition.

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Desks are planned by the external windows providing staff with the most natural light

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A wide central circulation and collaboration zone in each neighbourhood provides ad hoc meeting spaces within easy access

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Each zone has a quiet space, an SER, and print and refreshment points. Bookable meeting rooms are focused around the centre of the building to increase differing teams to meet and interact in the heart of the building. This occurs on floors one, two and three

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In terms of wayfinding, a colour strategy complimented by a postcode signage system was developed

The office floors accommodate 2,600 staff over three storeys and provide a variety of work – based spaces. ›

Much of the work of Cambridge Assessment involves a collegiate approach and focused work, however the co-location of the businesses in one building offered an opportunity for collaboration leading to more business development

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A strategy of ‘neighbourhoods’ was developed, that complimented the building shape. Each neighbourhood having access to a range of work settings, from quiet work spaces to open and semi-enclosed meeting spaces, as well as amenities

Cambridge Assessment Sections 1:800 @ A4 Sections 1:800

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Cycle path path Cycle Cambridge guided guided busway busway Cambridge

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Cycle path Cycle path Cycle path Cambridge guided busway busway Cambridge guided Cambridge

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Entrance / Reception Collaboration Area + CafĂŠ Library 25 Accessible Terrace

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Viewing Terrace Meeting Room in Tower Public 50m Art

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Shaftesbury Road

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Rear courtyard garden Rear courtyard garden

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“Ambience, light, air and space are a huge improvement over our old, vacated, buildings. ‘Away-from-desk’ spaces are key to enabling collaboration as needs arise and help speed progress with instant, or more timely, dialogues.”

Cambridge Assessment Member of Staff

Cambridge Assessment Elevations 1:800 @ A4 Elevations 1:800

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Design option 4. phase sequence

Be part of the art www.trianglecambridge.org.uk

#whatisknowledge? www.twitter/inotherwords

What is knowledge?

Text your answer to 889765

WHAT IS KNOWLEDGE? Submit your answer to www.trianglecambridge.org.uk In partnership with

‘What is knowledge?’ is a public art programme based around the commission of ceramic glass works featured in the tower and facade of the new building for Cambridge Assessment international offices.

The artworks by Vong Phaopanit and Claire Oboussier will be made up of

multiple strata of coloured text forming a complex coloured ‘palimpsest’. The text will comprise answers to the question ‘what is knowledge?’ and will be typeset in many languages and many scripts.

Members of the public are invited to submit their answers to be considered for inclusion in the artworks.

Phase 1. 12-18 hoardings

The Tower Piece

The Link façade Be part of the art www.trianglecambridge.org.uk

#whatisknowledge? www.twitter/inotherwords

WHAT IS KNOWLEDGE?

I’ve Everything I e learnt sinc was born.

Peter Silk,

Graphic Designer

Watch out for various workshops, talks and events

Educated enlight enment or London Cab drivers training!

Andrew Sharman,

‘What is knowledge?’ is a public art programme based around the commission of ceramic glass works featured in the tower and facade of the new building for Cambridge Assessment international offices.

The artworks by Vong Phaopanit and Claire Oboussier will be made up of

Lee Russell,

Bus Driver

Teacher

I believe that imagination is stronger

Rosie Casey,

Diane Jarvis,

Karl Mills,

Accounts Manager

potent than history. That dreams are

Director

of Sales

Knowledge is love, light and vision.

Le

John V

Marsha Moore, Copywriter

more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief.

And I believe that love is stronger

Shop keeper

than death.

Tom Mulcahy, Butcher

Knowing that my knowledge is unique, and is my own personal journey.

multiple strata of coloured text forming a complex coloured ‘palimpsest’. The text will comprise answers to the question ‘what is knowledge?’ and will be typeset in many languages and many scripts.

Members of the public are invited to submit their answers to be considered for inclusion in the artworks.

Not stepp ing off when ‘know’ you you are in front of a ‘ledge’!

‘A thirst for knowledge’ is knowledge power!

than knowledge. That myth is more

n from What I lear what I my parents, friends advise my teach I and what my children.

Submit your answer to www.trianglecambridge.org.uk In partnership with

Knowledge is spelling without a dictionary, adding up calculator, without a finding your satnav, and way knowing that without mind is so the huma much more n knowledga than a compu ble ter.

is whatever Knowledge every brain each and cell holds.

Sally Gray,

Exporter

and rldly ience of wo Exper ve ding rstan which I ha unde rs... of matte :( r ucto little

Gail Conroy, Colourist

Ian

Driv Coote,

The gifts of knowledge, wisdom and truth.

A lov is t beg kno

Emilio E

Robin Dean, Doctor

ing Instr

Phasing develops. 2 hoardings replaced at a time as the answers come in from the public

Be part of the art www.trianglecambridge.org.uk

#whatisknowledge? www.twitter/inotherwords

The answer to the question ‘What is knowledge?’, has exercised the minds of men and women throughout history. We put the same question to the general public and these hoardings show some of the responses that will be included in the landmark artworks to be integrated with the new Cambridge Assessment building.

Look out for further opportunities to take part in workshops, talks and events as part of the programme connected to the new commission.

In partnership with

‘What is knowledge?’ is a public art programme based around the commission of ceramic glass works featured in the tower and facade of the new building for Cambridge Assessment international offices.

The artworks by Vong Phaopanit and Claire Oboussier will be made up of

multiple strata of coloured text forming a complex coloured ‘palimpsest’. The text will comprise answers to the question ‘what is knowledge?’ and will be typeset in many languages and many scripts.

Members of the public are invited to submit their answers to be considered for inclusion in the artworks.

Phasing nearly complete. End up with a blunt pencil and lots of answers from the public. (note: Headers change to ‘text answer’)

I’ve Everything I e learnt sinc was born.

Peter Silk,

Graphic Designer

Watch out for various workshops, talks and events

Educated enlight enment or London Cab drivers training!

Andrew Sharman,

Knowledge is spelling without a dictionary, adding up calculator, without a finding your satnav, and way knowing that without mind is so the huma much more n knowledga than a compu ble ter.

Lee Russell,

Bus Driver

Teacher

I believe that imagination is stronger

n from What I lear what I my parents, friends advise my teach I and what my children.

Rosie Casey,

Shop keeper

Gail Conroy, Colourist

Diane Jarvis,

Karl Mills,

Accounts Manager

than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are

Director

of Sales

Knowledge is love, light and vision.

Le

John V

Marsha Moore, Copywriter

more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief.

And I believe that love is stronger than death.

Tom Mulcahy, Butcher

Knowing that my knowledge is unique, and is my own personal journey.

Not stepp ing off when ‘know’ you you are in front of a ‘ledge’!

‘A thirst for knowledge’ is knowledge power!

is whatever Knowledge every brain each and cell holds.

Sally Gray,

and rldly ience of wo Exper ve ding rstan which I ha unde rs... of matte :( r ucto little Ian Coot

e, Driv

ing Instr

Exporter

The gifts of knowledge, wisdom and truth.

Robin Dean, Doctor

A lov is t beg kno

Emilio E

The Art Work: What is Knowledge?

“IN OTHER WORDS is a twin piece that comprises two ceramic printed glass works - one for the ‘link’ façade of the building and the other for the tower.

The printed images are made up of multiple strata of coloured text, layers of colour gradations and script formations that form a complex ‘palimpsest’ of data. Up close, fragments of an array of different languages will be partially discernible. From a distance, the image will read more like a painting, the lines of text presenting as a shimmering mass of colour.”

Vong Phaophanit & Claire Oboussier

Integral to the artwork was a community engagement initiative which reached out to both the local communities of Cambridge itself (Cambridge Assessment employees and the surrounding neighbourhoods) and to the wider global community served by the organisation. The artists posed a key question: ‘What is knowledge?’ and invited responses from all groups via email and social media. This engendered a large and varied response and all data collected was incorporated into the final text design. There were numerous engagement events and workshops run for both staff and community groups such as schools and University of the Third Age Cambridge. These initiatives produced enthusiastic engagement which enabled people to feel their involvement in the work along with a deeper understanding of its core intensions and ethos.

Sustainability Service engineers Max Fordham used a bespoke sustainability matrix to set the agenda across the range of sustainability issues.

One of the main requirements of the brief was to focus on energy use, in keeping with the DEC A target. This focus on in-use energy rather than certification provided a firm and definitive direction on many aspects of the design, but does not give a certificate of accreditation.

This task was not taken lightly and influenced many aspects of the building design; the form, glazing approach and optimised solar shading allowed good daylight whilst keeping heat losses and solar gains to a minimum, the fabric achieved a very low air permeability and the HVAC strategy uses highly efficient plant and minimises auxiliary loads by using moderate heating and cooling temperatures.

Our approaches for transport, waste, climate change and biodiversity represent industry best practice. For example, the generous provision of covered and secure cycle parking alongside showering and drying room facilities encourage cycling. The building is equipped with an extensive metering and monitoring system such that energy use can be identified and optimised. This activity is critical to achieving the operational target and is a key objective as part of the ongoing soft-landings process.

Health & Wellbeing The design of the Triangle compliments the organisation’s Wellbeing programme, creating an environment where individuals can find a space to collaborate, network with a colleague, reflect and step away from the busy office environment.

The aim was to increase engagement in the Wellbeing programme through bespoke on-site facilities.

The natural lighting throughout the building and access to green spaces, both externally and the biophilia design internally, have all contributed to improving the employee experience.

The flexibility of the Wellbeing Centre helps to facilitate a programme of activities including fitness sessions, seminars, and social activities.

Promoting, enhancing and supporting the health and wellbeing was a key aim in developing the landscape setting of the building with: extensive new street tree planting to Shaftesbury Road connects to the wider green infrastructure of the local context, promoting walking and cycling to and from work; a variety of sheltered courtyard gardens creating breakout spaces for meetings, socialising and mindfulness; views of greenery throughout the building; and ornamental planting providing multisensory experiences to delight the soul.

“Being able to sit out in the garden with the beautiful flowers and watch the bees hard at work can prove a little moment of serenity on a hectic day. Also having such a large and versatile work space allows variety and freedom within your working day.�

Cambridge Assessment Member of Staff

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Materiality West and east-facing elevations are mainly composed by brickwork, precast lintels and piers whereas the north-facing ones required further protection from sunlight and have precast brise soleils.

Exposed concrete soffits allows for thermal mass within the heating / cooling system, thus reducing demand on mechanical methods.

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Brickwork with lime mortar Precast concrete pier Precast concrete lintel Anodised aluminium brise soleil PPC finish aluminium windows PT concrete slab Raised access floor Exposed concrete soffit

The concrete frame provides a robust and durable structure capable of accommodating future modification.

Post-tension concrete slabs reduced the floor thicknesses, which reduced the overall building height by circa 300 mm, resulting in significant cost savings.

Internal finishes and furniture have been selected in close collaboration with Cambridge Assessment’s Facilities and Operational Management teams, to ensure specification criteria for durability, maintenance, and quality were met to ensure longevity and value.

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Precast concrete brise soleil PPC finish aluminium windows Rendered upstand Stainless steel maintenance walkway PT concrete slab Raised access floor Exposed concrete soffit

Costs & Areas

Demolition/Enabling Works: £3,073,295 Main Works: S&C, Cat A & Cat B: £115,946,565 (£276 / sqft) Overall Build Cost: £121,289,679 GIA Area: 416,046 sqft NIA Area: 358,653 sqft Base date: August 2015

Building’s operation energy and carbon performance Total energy use for whole building Regulated only: 27.8 kWh/m²/yr Regulated & unregulated: 72.4 kWh/m²/yr Note: based on TM54 calculation process (including dynamic model)

In Numbers: 446,702 sqft GEA 91,500 sqft floor plates (main floors) 500,000 bricks 1,150 cycle spaces 38 showers 3.2 metre floor to exposed soffit 5 storeys 38 m high tower

The Team Client: Cambridge Assessment Architect: Eric Parry Architects Interior Designers: BDP Interiors Structural Engineer: Ramboll UK M&E: Max Fordham Landscape Architect: Grant Associates Public Art: Vong Phaophanit & Claire Oboussier Faรงade Consultant: FMDC Catering Consultants: Tricon Quantity Surveyors: Aecom Project Managers: Turner & Townsend Contractor: Bouygues UK

Credits Photography Dirk Lindner for Eric Parry Architects BDP Interiors Keith Heppell for Cambridge Assessment T. Nakajima for Eric Parry Architects