Allianz North becomes an aspirational technology hub changing the nature of IT workplaces

Allianz North, in Sydney’s north, has become a connected, vibrant technology hub designed as an attractor for staff and has set a new benchmark for Allianz globally - taking them out of traditional cubicle spaces into an inviting and collaborative environment. HASSELL worked closely with key stakeholders within Allianz to realise a new workplace strategy. HASSELL Associate Amelia Dearn said the leading insurance company had a clear vision and drive in developing a new workplace strategy and placed trust in HASSELL to bring this to life.

“Allianz has occupied the same space for a long time, so their new North Sydney office was the perfect opportunity to create an aspirational space that would be a key point of difference, and more in line with their work culture.” Amelia said

“The trust they placed in our knowledge of creating spaces people love formed an enduring client relationship that allowed us to develop a solution which would meet their current and future needs.” she said.

The new workplace model is a fully agile environment that takes into consideration every aspect of Allianz’s daily IT activities, accommodates flexible team structures and changing business requirements. The technology and IT team occupying this workplace is responsible for managing and implementing technology solutions for the business through a highly collaborative team environment. The workplace calls for, and actively promotes, more interaction between staff, in turn requiring more spaces to connect and interface.

Allianz North is broken down into agile neighbourhoods, which cater to the different ways the teams work on a daily basis. In the work areas, formal and informal meeting spaces are dotted among the workstations to allow for small gatherings and brainstorming sessions. Training rooms, an innovation lab and a central staff hub are destinations away from the work areas. Stacked over four floors and connected by an internal staircase - these spaces have a dynamic quality to them, enhanced by the constant movement of people on the stairs.

HASSELL used colour and art to internalise the focus and make the core of the building the heart of the workplace. Forming a vibrant backdrop to the daily activities is a series of coloured panels in seemingly incongruous hues - cleverly juxtaposed, the different tones ultimately complement each other and create a stimulating visual field throughout the interior. An original artwork by award-winning mural artist, Rebecca Wetzler, adorns the stair void in an impressive display of colour overlayed with black outline drawings that have a distinctly Australian feel.

Kate O’Neill, Group Property Manager for Allianz, said that the new office in North Sydney is a deliberate change for both Allianz and the technology team.

“Allianz North is a true destination for all Allianz staff, not just our IT groups. With flexible work points, a variety of collaboration spaces, and distinctly diverse interior, we know that our staff will benefit from more engagement with each other, and this will lead to great solutions for the business.”