As befits the United Kingdom’s leading body in personnel management and development, CIPD, had clear and demanding expectations of their own workplace. Their brief called for a modern, light and open building that would be environment and people friendly; a building that would convey distinction and reinforce their brand. 151 Broadway lives up to these high expectations, fostering a strong sense of community in an open-plan environment that provides a variety of stimulating and comfortable spaces.
The construction uses well-tried techniques in innovative ways, with components made to work at maximum efficiency in a building designed to utilise passive environmental control as part of a low-energy strategy.
There is an underlying clarity and honesty in the use of materials and there is no suspended ceiling to conceal the structure, which allows the thermal mass of the concrete slabs to provide natural cooling.
The new headquarters for CIPD is a modern, light and open, five storey building focussed around a semi circular atrium which increases in size as it rises up through the building.
The atrium is a defining feature, open on all floors. Lightweight steel and timber bridges span across its glazed wall and structural necessity is turned to advantage by an inclined column, which emphasises the link between the open plan office floors.
At ground level there is a specialist library, which is open to the public, and a small catering kitchen together with a multi-functional area that serves as a staff restaurant during the day.
The elevation onto Wimbledon Broadway comprises of a striking curved glass facade, providing natural light to the offices by day and animating the street in the evening.
