PROSPECT OFFICES

Location: Edinburgh

Client: Prospect Community Housing

Programme: Completed 2002

Prospect was an expanding organisation and this project developed from the Client’s requirement to locate all staff in one building and to portray a professional image to both staff and visitors.

One of the main design objectives of the building was to contribute to the increasing urbanisation of the street where it is located and for it to play a role as symbol of quality within the regeneration of the neighbourhood. A distinctive glass corner signals the main entrance and provides a major statement of activity in the streetscape.

The building was conceived through an extensive user collaboration exercise, with the agreed concept being an open plan area facing the street with more cellular space located towards the rear.

The interior was developed to reflect human needs for natural light and views out, which complement the desire to create individual workspaces with a reasonable degree of privacy, within a flexible open plan format.

The design incorporates a strong environmental agenda and the demand for low running costs led to the development of a natural ventilation strategy where a void, high level vents, and exposed concrete ceilings provide effective air circulation and protection from overheating. The result is a dramatic and inspiring space for both staff and visitors. This project gained a Dynamic Places Award in 2003.