In stark contrast to the trading floors of banks or the quirky workspaces of the creative industries, the offices of law firms are often perceived to be fusty and outmoded places.However, the need to present a modern image which distinguishes a firm from its competitors - both in the eyes of clients and potential new recruits - has never been stronger.People associate modern offices with openness and equality, where communication flows easily and the hierarchy within the space is broken down. But lawyers need quiet spaces where confidential conversations and work that demands high levels of concentration can take place. Designers need to be wary of undermining those aspects of law firm offices that have made them effective workplaces for hundreds of years. This was the challenge facing Swanke Hayden Connell Architects (SHCA), which was chosen to design interior spaces for Kennedys - at 25 Fenchurch Avenue, a Sir Norman Foster-designed office building in the City - and Bristows, which has taken space in the revamped Unilever Building, now known as 100 Victoria Embankment, next to Blackfriars Station."Designing offices for law firms is about creating an atmosphere that is studious and collegiate, while also ensuring that you are building active spaces that do not feel dead and lifeless," says Angela Sasso, a senior associate at SHCA.
October 08, 2008 at 08:34 PM
1 minute read
The original version of this story was published on Legalweek
Designing modern office space for law firms poses unique challenges for architects. Damian Arnold reports
In stark contrast to the trading floors of banks or the quirky workspaces of the creative industries, the offices of law firms are often perceived to be fusty and outmoded places.
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