Thomson Reuters
Architect: Forme UKCity: London
The scientific business of Thomson Reuters is a globally respected organisation that provides information based solutions that keep academic, government, corporate and pharma R&D professionals at the forefront of their markets by providing must-have authoritative content with innovative technologies.
In autumn 2007 Thomson Reuters brought together approximately 500 employees previously located in disparate offices, employed in different work activities, into the Johnson Building, a prestigious development in London’s Hatton Garden. The brief demanded a new HQ – ‘a home to be proud of’ that would inspire the knowledge-based workforce.
Forme UK was commissioned as the design and architecture consultants. The resulting interior is a synthesis that achieves not only a striking unified brand identity, but also a working environment that successfully addresses the diverse needs of the scientific business of Thomson Reuters staff and simultaneously impresses their clients. The atmosphere is modern, vibrant and contemporary. With a clear understanding of the client’s ultimate intention, B-Loose was ideally qualified to supply various items of loose furniture that add value to the scheme’s unique and total identity.
According to Forme UK’s Glenn Vaus, ‘as a subsidiary of Bene, B-Loose is a company that has full backing of the parent company , follows its professional standards, and has gained an excellent reputation so we had full confidence in their capability and service.’
Thomson Reuters main reception area has been compared to an exclusive hotel lobby. B-Loose provided the statement Matteo Grassi ‘2Leather’ seating, upholstered in chocolate and cream leather that add to the sense of luxury. A palette of unusual and natural materials, including leather, lava stone, glass and slate establish a sense of warmth and cool efficiency. Nearby, within a single height space behind the main staircase that leads to the second floor meeting areas, a simple configuration of Walter Knoll’s coffee coloured leather ‘FK Lounge’ chairs around a circular ‘Space’ Fritz Hansen coffee table encourage spontaneous and relaxed discussions. It is a deliberate contrast to the 5m double height, illuminated glass-divided formal meeting rooms that feature Fritz Hansen’s Plano white glass meeting tables seating and Vitra’s Eames Aluminium in white mesh – both companies are regular partners with B-Loose.
B-Loose also supplied furniture for other informal zones in the working offices, with La Palma Orange Chairs and Tables providing a stylish antidote to the large quantity of linear desking and seating that maximises the space. La Palma’s LEM bar stools enhance two strategically placed bars that act as touch-down points for the scientific business of Thomson Reuters executives and visitors seeking a temporary workplace. The bars help to separate vibrant Media Centre with its floor-to-ceiling rotating back lit billboards that keep staff up-to-date with company information, from the main workspace.
In an area that is frequently ignored by other companies, at Thomson Reuters, the lower ground floor provides a dynamic space for training, IT resources and business services. Forme UK’s creative use of pure colour and digital art on feature walls animates the space (and disguises the return air-grilles of the air-conditioning). Off-set against the backdrop are carefully positioned OC chairs and tables by La Palma, recommended and sourced by B-Loose. Throughout these offices, the innovative space planning takes into account the specific requirements of different departments and the consistent choice of furniture has helped to integrate the disparate parts of the company.
