Maven Securities

London, UK

In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Maven decided to make the move to 155 Bishopsgate and bring together their active trading teams to an office that was welcoming, efficient, and impactful, with adaptable spaces that could be reconfigured to grow with the business. It was their priority that the space reflected the industrial heritage of the area, with a focus on hospitality and creating a new sense of community.

Subsequently, our concept considered the idea of ‘markets’ and how the meaning of the word has evolved in The City over time. Taking inspiration from Spitalfields market, and other traditional market planning principles, a grid was created that allowed for flexibility within a given space, and created active pathways with different destinations as people move about the floor. The team was also influenced by the temporary structures of markets, which stimulated ideas of designing for dissassembly, and acknowledgingthe industrial style buildings in the area.

Designing to create a home from home

As a trading but also fintech firm, Maven was clear they did not want their new office to look traditional. A series of modular elements that could be added or subtracted as the business evolved over time were created. Three main framing devices can be utilised to create spaces offering various levels of privacy which adapt to the needs of Maven’s teams. This detail echoes the curves of Billingsgate Market by revealing and concealing spaces. The open modular framework can be easily fitted and slot into either solid or fabric panels. The team decided to not use any permanent fixings or welding meaning that the joints are revealed to show how the structure is formed and yet presents as considered and refined

Interactive, productive and fun

Social spaces were very important to Maven in order to create a ‘home away from home’. Gathering spaces include a bar, a fully catered server and lounge. Outdoor spaces were also important, and we designed a beautiful landscaped terrace. Other amenities included a fully kitted gym space which allowed for yoga, peloton and personal training sessions aswell as fully AV integrated. A wellness suite, which can also be adapted to a massage room, mothers room, prayer room were created to make everyone in the office feel welcome and cared for. A games area which included a space to play video games and pin ball machines was another important social space that was aimed to appeal to new recruits and takes care of traders. This energetic space can be transformed to a break out space and training area, where the teams can be inspired to work.

Sustainable, efficient and friendly

It was important to the design aesthetic that the frames did not appear industrial. The team opted for a polyester powder coating. This can be removed when the frames reach end of life and allows the metal to be reused or recycled.

Maven’s people encouraged us to create a space that was not traditional for a financial or fintech firm. It was important to our client that the look and feel of each space - from the trading floor to the amenity’s areas - had consistent brand messaging throughout. The trading floor has a relaxed and light design, accentuated by the darker and richly appointed social spaces all using materials that can be reused and recycled at the end of their life. The result provided our client a new office with beautiful interactive spaces, that inspires productivity, and stimulates a unified culture.

Netflix

London, UK

Size:90,000 square feet

Completion Date: 2022