Case Study

UNICEF Australia

Pyrmont, Sydney
600 sqm

Background

Hoping to escape their existing ‘traditional’ workstyle, UNICEF Australia engaged Amicus to develop their new office in Pyrmont, designing a dynamic and vibrant space which embraces a more flexible style of working.

Moving from their former premises on Pitt Street, the brief was to create a collaborative and technology enabled environment that allowed for future growth. Having provided the client with multiple initial concept designs, our Workplace Strategists and Designers developed these into a scheme that incorporated reactions on how best to meet the approach of a more flexible space – and aesthetic aspirations.

We understood the importance of this partnership with UNICEF Australia, to not only support the ongoing cultural change process, but also to design and build an environment that encouraged communication and collaboration.

Solution

We kicked off the project with a Visioning Workshop with the UNICEF Australia ‘great place to work’ team exploring what were the key future workplace aspirations and how flexibility could be brought to life, delivering higher levels of collaboration across teams alongside greater individual choice. With the strategic foundations in place, the design team created space with a balance between fixed and hot desks. 

With an emphasis on cross-functional-collaboration, it was important for teams to integrate seamlessly together. We incorporated branding and artwork throughout to highlight spaces and uplift specific zones. The materials we used were clean and modern, with many items donated – including carpet from Signature Floors which was later turned into rugs – and repurposed furniture from their existing office. We wanted to keep the space vibrant, reflecting their visual identity, and integrated their positive messaging throughout the space on wall graphics and screens.

Technology was also a focal point in the design, as video conferencing is used daily. A variety of solutions have been provided through our partner network including a Logitech Tap room solution for ZOOM with table-top touch console for easy one-touch join meetings, a DTEN D7 55” interactive touch display with integrated camera, front of room speakers and microphone. Also, a fully integrated Condeco Connect 10” touch screen room booking system with LED room availability indicators.

Benefit

Moving to a more flexible workplace requires employees to embrace a new way of thinking as an opportunity to explore ABW (Activity Based Working) design. We engaged all employees in a fun and interactive workshop where they re-imagined doing their own role in a more mobile way. We encouraged them to raise concerns, to find solutions to potential challenges and to embrace mobility for personal and team benefit. 

To further support our client's vision, we have reimagined the physical workplace creating a more agile and collaborative environment, integrating technology that has enabled a seamless and reliable digital meeting room experience for their employees to not only share content and experiences, but also provide the ability to hold town hall meetings where everyone feels engaged. 

To translate their brand mission into the physical environment, we created a ‘kids’ zone which is dually functional as a 'chill’ space where their team can work. Biophilia has been incorporated into the workspace to not only ‘bring the outdoors in’ but to define zones and give employees the space and choice. 

All employees have been overwhelmingly positive, feeding back that the office is colourful, welcoming, cosy and a definite upgrade!

We really appreciate the ‘partnership approach’ Amicus took, listening to our wishes as well as our budget constraints, making brilliant suggestions and designs and going the extra mile to make us a stylish, fun and functional office within our budget.
- Clare Wimshurst - UNICEF Australia
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