MND Association Office by Oktra

Project: MND Association Office
Architects: Oktra
Location: Northampton NN3, United Kingdom
Sector: Charity
Duration: 10 weeks
Completion Year: 2020
Photographer: Oliver Pohlmann
Text and photos: Courtesy of Oktra

The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association needed one cohesive space on a single floor, in order to better house their teams and improve collaborative working. Oktra began the process by undertaking a two-week long workplace study in order to learn more about how to best support those living with MND and those who care for them.

Embarking on this project with the objective of embodying the MND Association’s values of openness and inclusivity, Oktra built in wheelchair accessibility throughout as a fundamental part of the design. Creating an aesthetic connection between the two wings of the building, we joined the two halves with a storytelling area at the entrance to hold the heart of the space, and from which a variety of focus booths and collaborative workstations fan outwards.

Wellbeing is emphasised throughout in biophilic elements, acoustic considerations and soft furnishings, as well as the use of natural materials. This workplace evokes an engaged, welcoming feel which will help support the teams at the MND Association toward their core ambition of ‘a world free from MND.’