Project Overview

Nestled within the dynamic Farnborough Business Park, Lenovo's latest UK workplace, designed and delivered by Area, not only provides its employees and guests with state-of-the-art amenities but also the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the bustling Farnborough Airport.

This visionary project seamlessly intertwines cutting-edge amenities with aviation-inspired aesthetics, embodying our unwavering commitment to crafting more than just workplaces but lively, sustainable, and socially conscious environments.

Amongst the stunning architecture and vibrant surroundings, the project stands as a beacon of sustainability excellence. From the careful selection of suppliers sharing our eco-conscious ethos to strategic collaborations with organisations such as Waste to Wonder, our sustainability initiatives transcend the ordinary. Circular economy principles, emphasising reuse and recycling, have yielded remarkable outcomes - diverting a substantial 35 tonnes of CO2e from waste streams.

The Farnborough office is more than an epitome of modern workspaces; it's a testament to our dedication to excellence in both design and sustainability. Beyond the panoramic views and cutting-edge amenities, it's a living example of Lenovo's commitment to a future where workplaces are not only functional but also contribute positively to the environment and the communities they inhabit.

Project Commissioner

Lenovo

Project Creator

Area

Project Brief

As their lease expires, Lenovo began exploring options for relocating their UK headquarters. The global pandemic prompted them to reevaluate their operational approach, recognizing that their pre-COVID practices no longer met their workforce's evolving needs and preferences.

Having previously partnered with us to refurbish their former Basingstoke office, Lenovo was confident in our expertise to once again transform their new workspace in Farnborough into a vibrant and dynamic environment that would be a destination space for their employees.

Sustainability is at the heart of Lenovo's global strategy, shaping its approach to everything from products to operations and office space. With a robust sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, Lenovo is dedicated to being a socially and environmentally responsible organization in all facets of its work. They were looking for a partner who shared their ethos and values. As a B Corp company, our commitment to sustainability aligned seamlessly with Lenovo's values. Our mutual commitment to sustainability became the core of our collaboration, ensuring that every element of their new Farnborough office transformation resonated with our joint vision of responsible and eco-friendly design and construction.

Project Innovation/Need

As a renowned brand, Lenovo's vision for its new Farnborough office prioritised the seamless integration of its brand identity. An eye-catching Lenovo illuminated LED logo welcomes employees and visitors in the reception area, setting the tone for the brand's presence within the workspace.

We meticulously curated a color palette that harmonised with their current branding to evoke Lenovo's brand without overwhelming the space. We transitioned from deep greys to subtle shades of purple, infusing the environment with a softer, more inviting ambiance. Hues of pink, light blue, and grey were introduced to inspire a sense of warmth and dynamism. To maintain a strong connection to Lenovo's brand identity without dominating the aesthetic, we strategically incorporated touches of bold red, one of Lenovo's primary colors, throughout the space. These red accents punctuate the design, ensuring a distinctive connection to the brand without the need for an overpowering red presence, thereby preserving the workspace's overall calm and cohesive atmosphere.

To demarcate seating areas, we integrated pink and light blue felted panels crafted from PET-compressed plastic. These panels possess acoustic-absorbing properties, fostering a tranquil and relaxed work environment. Leveraging Lenovo's unique alpha pattern as a design motif, these panels serve as dividers without imposing physical barriers, echoing the essence of Lenovo's brand. Consequently, they promote an open and collaborative atmosphere that seamlessly aligns with Lenovo's mission to encourage interaction and diverse work methodologies.

Design Challenge

The striking design of this headquarters office building designed by Sir Norman Foster was a source of inspiration. The structure seamlessly blends into the aviation-centric surroundings of Farnborough. This visual metaphor of flight and innovation of it and its surroundings became an underlying theme in our design, permeating various aspects of the office's aesthetic and functionality.

Split into two wings, the eastern and western sections, both of which Lenovo occupied, the building's inherent division presented us with a design challenge. Our primary concern centred around the possibility of employees naturally segregating themselves into their respective wings, potentially limiting cross-functional interaction and synergy.

To enhance cross-team collaboration and interaction, we strategically positioned a large tea point in one wing and a small refreshment point in the other. This deliberate arrangement encourages individuals to traverse between the two sides organically. Additionally, we located the print area on only one side, further stimulating movement between wings and facilitating chance encounters that fuel creativity and collaboration.

By embracing the unique architectural attributes of the building and leveraging the attraction of its aviation-centric location, we not only successfully addressed the potential division but also elevated the office's overall appeal. Lenovo's new Farnborough workplace now showcases an innovative layout that not only encourages connectivity but also reflects its local context, thereby enhancing the overall employee experience.

Sustainability

Our unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical construction practices has yielded tangible and noteworthy results in our project for Lenovo's Farnborough new office.

In partnership with Waste to Wonder, we have made a significant impact in repurposing waste equipment and furniture, by joining forces with the "School in the Box" initiative. Together, we provided unused desks and furniture to schools in need; these items, valued at approximately £32,000, found a new purpose with United Action for Children in Cameroon.

Through our collaboration with Waste to Wonder, and our reuse initiatives, we diverted an impressive 35 tonnes of CO2e from waste streams, making significant strides in reducing carbon emissions and contributing substantially to waste reduction in landfills.

Repurposing materials from Lenovo’s Chineham office, we achieved substantial saving of 24.3 tonnes of CO2e, a testament to our dedication to responsible sourcing and the conservation of valuable resources. In line with our commitment to waste reduction and resource optimisation, we creatively reused furniture for the Area site setup, achieving a commendable saving of 4.3 tonnes of CO2e.

The project also earned the esteemed SKA Gold Certification, which serves as a validation of our relentless commitment to sustainable fit-out methodologies. The certification underscores that Lenovo's Farnborough office is not merely a workspace; it stands tall as a beacon of environmentally responsible practices. It echoes our dedication to a future that embraces both social and ecological consciousness, creating a legacy of responsible practices that extend beyond the confines of the workplace.