PORTFOLIO
DISCIPLINE > SPACE PLANNING
THE NEW DIAGEO HEADQUARTERS IS THE HUB ON AN INTEGRATED PORTFOLIO OF SITES AROUND SCOTLAND.
CASE STUDIES
DIAGEO
EDINBURGH PARK
The new open plan office at Diageo’s headquarters at Edinburgh Park is a significant departure from the organisation’s former offices at Ellersly Road in Edinburgh.
Initially, BDG McColl undertook work to identify that the company required 4,100 sq.m of usable space, based on analysis of Diageo’s proposed working practices and culture. With this information Diageo identified a building, as yet unbuilt at Edinburgh Park. Working closely with the developer for the site, the building was reconfigured to meet the requirements of the brief developed by BDG McColl, whilst BDG McColl was also developing the interior design. Construction began in January, with the building being completed to allow Christmas lunch to be served to staff on 20 December! The design, layout, and appearance of the building closely integrates the functions of offices and brands centre – a place where the portfolio of Diageo’s operations and products can be displayed to customers and staff. The interconnected open plan spaces provide a lively and invigorating environment in which to work, learn, and educate customers and consumers.
The brands centre is a flexible and adaptable ‘theatre’. In this Diageo can present a variety of ‘plays’ to their chosen audiences, about the Diageo brand portfolio. This includes the facility to sample products in the bar, or fine dining room, that forms part of the brands centre. This is supported by an integrated meeting room suite, with touch down and break out facilities to allow visitors immediate access to their external businesses during breaks between meetings. Individual meeting rooms within the meeting room suite are branded through the use of colour and materials to reflect one of the Diageo brands, for example, Gordon’s gin, Smirnoff vodka, or Bell’s whisky.
The offices provide an open environment in which staff can carry out administrative functions. The environment is designed to encourage communication, and break down barriers. Glass fronted offices are designed with a flexible furniture system to allow them to function as meeting rooms to suit work patterns and demands.
