The Hub, GHD Brisbane - embracing the future of work

Hybrid working has challenged businesses to keep staff engaged, continually innovate and provide training, wellbeing and digital support. Making sense of data relating to occupancy, productivity and mental and physical health had no precedent.  Yet decisions were required about how much space to lease and what changes to operations and policies were necessary.  

Our research identified what would tip the balance to commute to the office and what would attract new generations of employees. This research informed our design approach as we developed new models, based on changing concerns and preferences.  Considering challenges as opportunities we initiated a pilot space by repurposing an area adjacent to existing conference spaces. 

The key spatial elements are the innovation hub, the social café space and the business lounge collaboration space.  

The Hub initiates a ‘wow’ response as the lift doors open into the central social café space. Our people feel a great sense of pride in this new space, which has raised the bar across the business for the alignment of space with culture and values. 

In the central social café, the ceiling height has been raised to grant a dramatic view to the historic clock tower of the Brisbane City Hall. In the foreground, seating/planter modules are abuzz with people engaging face to face or on their laptops over teams. These mobile modules are relocated for large functions.  The main café bar is a simple, beautiful counter that delivers every service through elegantly designed fittings.  The arrival facing side provides for service of tea and coffee, or drinks for large events, with the hidden side providing cold storage, dishwashing and waste disposal.  Storage is concealed in window seating benches.

The innovation hub is adjacent to the social space and can be utilised in open mode for a large-scale event.  It accommodates a wide range of workshop settings created by mobile walls, furniture and power and data that drops down from the ceiling. Acoustic ceilings assist to dampen noise and define spaces. 

The business lounge collaboration space is a raised area that provides more intimate settings for small and large groups. Seating to the edge of the business lounge provides dress circle views over the general perimeter seating to the district views and King George Square.  Ceilings and lightweight curtains enhance acoustic performance and privacy. 

Lighting throughout is designed to create a sense of place across the Hub, and to sparkle at night in function mode. Planting and colours reflect the natural environment and assist to define each zone.

The fitout is designed to meet the base building 6 Star Green Star performance requirements and Carbon neutral certification, with sustainability initiatives including ‘upcycling’ of existing furniture, use of low-VOC) paints and materials and energy-efficient lighting systems, including LED bulbs and motion sensor lighting controls to reduce energy consumption. 

Although the space was designed for staff, clients and family members are frequent visitors.  Office occupancy has increased since the project was completed and there is greater engagement across various teams as they spend more time in this common space.  The result is smarter solutions, increased client satisfaction and more engaged employees.