HOK designed Arup’s new office to showcase inclusivity, flexibility and sustainability while serving as a model for the future of work. Spanning three floors in the One Centenary Way building, the workplace accommodates over 900 people. It is one of the largest for Arup, a collective of 20,000 designers, advisers and experts working across 140 countries.
The workplace includes a variety of settings to support different work styles, addressing spatial awareness, acoustics and lighting. These environments range from independent focus stations to large-scale social spaces, supporting employees across a wide neurodiverse spectrum. An unassigned seating strategy empowers employees to choose environments that best suit their daily needs, with options to book consistent spots or move between different areas and desk types.
A sophisticated circadian lighting system adapts to the time of day and seasonal changes, with varying light levels to accommodate different sensitivities. Areas of naturally lower lighting use local desk lamps to offer more subdued illumination. SMART technology enhances the neuroinclusive design with customizable lighting, temperature controls and CO2 monitoring. Digital totems display occupancy heat maps and environmental data, helping staff select suitable workspaces.
The open-plan design fosters visual connectivity, allowing teams to stay connected. Meeting rooms are strategically placed to avoid blocking natural light. The innovative acoustic design includes absorbent materials and an exposed ceiling, reflecting Arup’s engineering principles while controlling sound in open areas.
Biophilic elements throughout the space promote well-being and cognitive function. Extensive plantings, natural materials and a nature-inspired color palette enhance urban greening. Views of nature are provided where possible.
Dedicated Mindfulness Zones featuring abundant plant life, natural light and city views provide peaceful areas away from busy workspaces. Additional wellness-focused amenities include a parents’ room, wudu and prayer spaces and a general well-being area.
A focal point of the studio is the flexible “Paradise Suite,” designed to enhance Arup’s sports and social program with weekly Pilates and other events for groups of 15-75 people. The floor plan incorporates work-from-home amenities, including breakout spaces for educational and physical activities and full showers for commuters.
The project minimized embodied carbon through the use of natural and recycled materials. One Centenary Way is the first all-electric building in the Paradise development. The office is projected to fall below U.K. Green Building Council operational targets for 2025-2030 by 10%. The WELL Platinum certification aligns with Arup’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon by 2030.
The ground floor serves as a flexible “shop window,” introducing Birmingham’s diverse communities to Arup and the built environment. It also functions as a community hub for special events, supporting the city’s arts, culture and STEM education.
The new office has transformed Arup’s workplace culture and employee engagement, with a 10% increase in office attendance and a noticeable rise in social activities. The project received a Best Workplace Fit-Out award at the 2024 British Council for Offices Midlands and Central England Awards.
