Project: RGA New Workspace
Architects: Oktra
Location: London EC2
Sector: Finance (Insurance)
Size: 22,000 sq ft
Duration: 32 weeks
Completion Year: 2021
Photographer: Oliver Pohlmann
Oktra designed and delivered a new workspace for a leading US life and health reinsurance company, Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA), on Level 45, 22 Bishopsgate. The landmark building was an exciting new Oktra to the London skyline in 2020, designed to put people first and set new technology and sustainability standards for the workplace. Approaching a lease expiry at Aldermanbury Square, RGA seized the opportunity to create a radically different work environment that was more progressive, dynamic and collaborative than their historically traditional style.
TwentyTwo is not only the highest rise building in the City, but also the first building in London that requires all developments to be delivered using the BIM360 platform to ensure that new fit outs seamlessly integrate into the building systems. Oktra’s technical designers built a comprehensive 3D Revit model that enabled the client to visualise and walk through the space before construction even began. Upon completion, Oktra provided a full design-coordination package that will support RGA as they evolve their workplace in the future. Oktra worked alongside TwentyTwo’s in-house Design and logistics teams to continue to deliver through the pandemic and ensure that the design aligned with their detailed standards.
Oktra’s design team held numerous creative and operational workshops with RGA’s senior leadership team to ensure that their aspirations as a truly progressive organisation striving to adopt a new way of working were realised, and their new work environment would catalyse this change. Oktra formed a close working relationship with the client which was fundamental in the development of a very detailed and inclusive solution that considers every aspect of the visitor and employee experience. The key principles of the design were conceived prior to the pandemic and centred on flexibility, meaning the proposed scheme was not compromised by the paradigm shift in the way office-based businesses will operate. With an agile, future-facing and energetic workplace, RGA has now successfully welcomed their staff back to the City.
The conscious decision to not build any cellular spaces on the perimeter of the building has created a fluid route around the space that encourages continuous movement and provides uninterrupted panoramic views of the City. Flexibility is further built into the boardroom structure as a folding wall allows a seamless transition from confidential meeting space to an open event space. The layout is also influenced by the skyline, with the interior architecture intentionally framing views of iconic London landmarks and welcoming in natural light from the floor to ceiling windows. With the involvement of Oktra’s in-house furniture experts, they created project neighbourhoods separated by soft divides; future-proofing the workspace for expansion and contraction across all disciplines. All formats of working are catered for with agile furniture, soft meeting booths, quiet zones and multiple collaborative spaces.
Following a swift ascent to Level 45, clients are greeted with a soft and refined welcome. The client experience can be easily tailored by guiding visitors to the flexible front-of-house meeting suite or the more informal broker’s lounge which is open to the employee breakout space. Both zones are designed to be used by clients and employees alike, demonstrating RGA’s transparent and modern approach to business.
Moving through the layers of the workspace, a corridor fringed with biophilia guides users to the main work areas and a variety of meeting spaces. Open meeting areas are visually appointed with bold chequered flooring and lighting features, and coloured crittall glazing details provide privacy, while safeguarding the openness of the design. The client business lounge and library provides more intimate settings with a rich and warm colour palette including RGA’s signature red, tactile materials, and personal touches from the books available for employees to borrow to the curated art collection from ARTIQ that rotates quarterly. Named after the RGA teams that are re-imagining the insurance industry, RGAX is a design and research innovation workshop within the office. This team facility intended for creative brainstorming is equipped with the latest in advanced digital solutions and wrapped in magnetic whiteboards and acoustic panels.
The final design applies residential comforts to formal and informal work environments and blends the client and employee experience, resulting in a refined, welcoming and contemporary space that is energised by those who use it.
