Global sustainable development and engineering consultancy Arup has moved into flexible new offices in one of Bristol’s greenest buildings which have been designed by workplace strategists Interaction.

Arup has taken over the 27,000 sq ft second floor of CEG’s state-of-the-art EQ building in Victoria Street - the first new office development in Bristol to commit to net zero carbon in operation in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s framework.

Interaction’s workplace design splits the office into four quadrants and provides a mix of workspaces to enhance both focussed and collaborative working. Almost 500 of the firm’s Bristol-based colleagues were involved in the design process, helping to inform specific integrations for flexibility, wellbeing and accessibility.

There is an enclosed library area for quiet working and workspaces have been designed to be fully accessible to wheelchair users and the visually impaired. Sustainable materials and finishes have used throughout the design process.

Bath-based Interaction collaborated with Arup on its choice of office furniture, with existing furniture reused where possible. Some of the desks and furniture are on moveable casters which allows the spaces to be reconfigured for different work settings.

Shaun Hartley, Arup’s Bristol office leader, said:

“Our new home in Bristol demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the city, where we’ve had a presence for the last 50 years.

“Interaction has helped us to deliver an inclusive and flexible workspace, expertly bringing to life the vision of our near-500 Bristol-based colleagues. Our employee ownership model has enabled us to invest in an excellent new office environment, that has been strongly influenced by the needs of our colleagues.

“We have made sustainable choices throughout our approach to the fit-out and created an energising and inclusive environment for everyone. It’s an exciting time for us and we look forward to inviting clients, project collaborators and community partners into our new space.”

Pamela D’Alessandro, creative lead at Interaction, said:

“As an employee-owned business, Arup prioritises the wellbeing of its people.

“Their new Bristol office, with its focus on wellbeing, collaboration and sustainability, perfectly reflects the company's ethos and approach to work. Having been in Bristol for nearly half a century, we believe it will provide the space and flexibility they will need in the future.”

www.interaction.uk.com

www.arup.com