Project Overview

Tripadvisor’s Oxford office reimagines the modern workplace through a blend of functionality, flexibility and hospitality-inspired design. Relocating from an oversized, underutilised office, the new 17,000 sqft space was designed to reflect the sophistication of a boutique hotel while drawing on Oxford’s rich architectural heritage.

The layout follows Tripadvisor’s global Activity-Based Working model, offering a range of adaptable settings to suit diverse workstyles. The ground floor acts as a vibrant social hub, with a canteen, collaborative zones and a ping pong table, while the quieter first floor includes whisper rooms and smaller breakout spaces to support focused work.

Carefully considered acoustics, adjustable lighting and technology ensure the space is highly functional, comfortable and future-proofed for hybrid working. A warm, tactile palette of wood and limestone, paired with bronze, caramel and turmeric hues, enhances wellbeing throughout the space, while bespoke design features subtly reinforce Tripadvisor’s brand identity.

This dynamic workplace is a thoughtful response to the changing needs of today’s workforce, encouraging creativity, connection and productivity within a sophisticated, inspiring environment.

Project Commissioner

Tripadvisor

Project Creator

Unispace

Project Brief

Tripadvisor sought to transform its Oxford office into a dynamic, flexible workplace that reflects its innovative ethos and supports modern hybrid working patterns. The previous office, located in a business park, was underutilised as employees embraced remote work. The client required a space that would encourage on-site collaboration while providing diverse work settings tailored to different tasks and team needs.

The brief called for a hospitality-inspired aesthetic that balanced sophistication with functionality. Key design elements included flexible activity-based workspaces, a seamless blend of social and focus areas and an environment that fosters creativity, productivity and wellbeing. Acoustic optimisation and adaptable lighting were essential to support varying work modes.

TripAdvisor also emphasised the importance of biophilic design, integrating natural materials such as wood and stone to enhance workplace wellness. The new office needed to reflect Oxford’s architectural heritage while maintaining a contemporary, global appeal. Technology played a crucial role in the design, with high-quality video conferencing, desk-booking platforms and space utilisation analytics ensuring efficiency in a hybrid work setting.

The result is a sophisticated, future-proof office that prioritises flexibility, innovation and employee experience - an inspiring space that supports both collaboration and focused work.

Project Innovation/Need

Tripadvisor’s new Oxford space embodies innovation by addressing workplace demands with forward-thinking solutions. The design embraces a hybrid work model, integrating advanced technologies such as high-quality video conferencing systems, desk and room booking platforms and a space utilisation platform to support collaboration and optimise resource management.

The activity-based layout is another innovative feature, offering a mix of lively social areas and quiet zones tailored to diverse work styles and departmental needs. This zoning strategy allows high-energy teams, like sales, to thrive in bustling environments, while engineering teams benefit from quieter, focused spaces.

Innovation extends to addressing challenges, such as adapting the Cat A building’s incomplete mechanical systems to support the new design. Through effective project management and collaboration, the team ensured functionality while achieving a cohesive, high-performing workspace.

The project’s integration of biophilic design, flexibility and technology reflects a response to the changing dynamics of the workplace, positioning the office as a benchmark for innovative design.

Design Challenge

The primary challenge for Tripadvisor’s Oxford office design stemmed from the shift in workplace dynamics from increased remote work. The existing office, located in a business park, was too large, underutilised and didn't meet the diverse needs of a hybrid workforce. This outdated setting did not encourage employees to work on-site, lacked flexibility and was inefficient in its use of space.

Additionally, Tripadvisor wanted the new design to align with their global Activity-Based Working principles, which promote a variety of work settings to accommodate different tasks and personalities. Balancing these goals with an emphasis on employee wellbeing and productivity presented further challenges.

The office’s location in Oxford provided an opportunity to honour the city’s rich architectural legacy, but integrating local heritage into a modern, hospitality-inspired workplace required thoughtful execution. Acoustic management and lighting solutions had to support a diverse range of work styles while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.

Lastly, the redesign needed to overcome logistical constraints of adapting a Cat A building with incomplete mechanical systems. Tripadvisor and the design team faced the dual task of addressing these structural challenges while ensuring the new space met functional, aesthetic and operational goals.

Sustainability

Sustainability was a key consideration in Tripadvisor’s Oxford office redesign, ensuring environmental, social and economic responsibility were integrated throughout. The project maximised the reuse of existing furniture and materials, reducing waste and minimising the carbon footprint. Locally sourced and responsibly manufactured materials were prioritised, including FSC-certified timber and recycled content finishes.

Energy efficiency was enhanced through intelligent lighting systems with occupancy sensors and dimmable LED fixtures, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. The office also incorporates advanced mechanical systems that optimise air quality and thermal comfort while improving overall energy performance.

Social sustainability was addressed by creating an inclusive workspace that supports diverse working styles, promotes wellbeing and fosters collaboration. Biophilic design elements, such as natural materials and greenery, contribute to employee health and engagement. By designing a long-lasting, adaptable workspace, the project ensures longevity, reducing the need for future renovations and supporting Tripadvisor’s commitment to sustainable workplace practices.