A 20,000 sq ft suite of offices that respond to a complex technical brief, at the same time as prioritising staff’s ergonomic needs, for a fast-growing scientific information company. The offices are located in the landmark AlphaBeta development in Finsbury Square, part of London’s burgeoning Tech City.

The brief revolved around enabling staff to work at their optimum level, especially when coding. This meant planning for single working, working in pairs and also in both smaller and larger groups with maximum flexibility and variety. The brief also requested specific areas where consumers could test new software and be observed in the process, as well as a range of break-out spaces and a central gathering space.

The timing was very challenging, working with a base build that wasn’t complete and a deadline that meant taking early possession. Part of the brief was to navigate a clear path between end-user needs and expectations and parent company design guidelines. Elsevier were very much seeking a showcase for their new technology flagship business, whilst Mendeley was seeking to push boundaries as a forward-thinking, fast-growing concern.