office design layout

Designing a new headquarters from the inside-out

Nokia, Beijing

Nokia wanted to bring together its dispersed departments and operational units in a new campus headquarters. We used ‘inside-out’ architecture to support a culture of collaborative working, connection and sustainability.

At a glance

  1. The first building in China to be awarded a LEED Gold Certification by the US Green Building Council.
  2. Rebalancing ‘work-life’ and creating an immersive experience for employees.
  3. A headquarters that brings the city to its heart.
sustainable building design

With a new out-of-town location, rebalancing ‘work-life’ was as an important priority. This meant the building design evolved into an immersive ‘brand experience’. We surveyed and analysed user needs and integrated them into a building that would meet the client’s sustainability and operational goals.

view of floors and canteen area on ground floor
plants and view of canteen

The distinct ground-level ‘main street’ with a covered full-height void divides the building into two halves. Separating Nokia’s R&D and business teams to meet operational security requirements, the main street acts as a passage and social space. It offers amenities and services including restaurants, convenience shops, a health club, concierge, laundry services, and a wellness room.

Nokia’s coach network system links the headquarters to key city locations and residential neighbourhoods – a comfortable and convenient commute. Rather than bringing the headquarters to the heart of the city, the headquarters brings the city to its heart.

office workplace design
office design layout
office design and build

The ‘inside-out’ design approach also helped the Nokia headquarters to become the first building in China to be awarded a LEED Gold Certification by the US Green Building Council.

Sustainability features include:

  • The building’s external double-skin glazing insulates the interior, reducing the load on the climate control systems
  • An open plan layout and extensive glazing bring in plenty of natural light
  • Low-flow sanitary fixtures makes the building extremely water-efficient.
aerial view of floors
Status

Completed

Completion date

2007

Location

Beijing

Area

829,350 sq ft

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