by Joan-Maree Hargreaves
Artichoke (Australia)
No. 36, September-November 2011
pp. 117-120
EDI Downer in Sydney's CBD is a new workplace bringing together three of the company's divisions that were previously located in various offices. The HASSELL-designed office features in No. 36 of Artichoke magazine.
The article states that the design concept for the project was driven by Downer EDI's desire to change the internal culture of the organisation from one of siloed, hierarchical practice to a culture of communication and knowledge. This was achieved through the use of transparent materials throughout – glass cubes, screens and floor to ceiling windows which maximise natural light.
Special note is made in the article about the aspirational workshops that were held within the client team to look at the current workplace culture and assess the desire for a new workplace. As a result, staff can now flow unrestricted through all areas of the workspace.
Downer EDI's Facilities Manager, Daniel Bustos, is quoted as saying, "Having tha flow has helped. Anyone is approachable and, although it was a bit difficult for some to get sued to this at the start, everyone has come around to it and it really has changed the way people work. There is just so much more interaction between groups."
The article also notes that the "materials were selected to represent the rail, engineering and mining industries that Downer EDI specialises in, evoking a sense of strength, resilience, durability and longevity. This is no more evident than at the reception area with its steel screens and dark grey stone pavers."
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