Client
CognizantLocation
Spitalfields, LondonMaterial
SpectraCognizant of Sustainable Practices
Decoding workplace design
Cognizant’s move to its new headquarters in Spitalfields, London has allowed for a space that is flexible, collaborative and supportive – all while prioritising sustainability.
Enlisting Perkins+Will and The Furniture Practice for its three-story office; the global professional services company, which helps businesses to modernise technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences, found that Spectra was the perfect material to illuminate their Icons of Denmark 4T System booths.
Using 4 supersized 5mm Spectra panels, weighing 23kg each, Cognizant diverted the equivalent weight of plastic waste of an adult leopard from landfill.
The Concept
Bringing together five different teams, previously spread across satellite offices throughout London, Cognizant tasked Perkins+Will to create a headquarters to bring the team together in one single collaborative location.
With such a major change came some major challenges; engaging team members, aiding collaboration, ensuring functionality and flexibility in all areas – while putting sustainability at the heart of the design, securing them a spot as one of 2023’s most certified sustainable workspaces after achieving an EPC rating of B, BREEAM Outstanding, and WELL Platinum.
The Design
Collaboration was central to the design of Cognizant’s headquarters – by placing modular pieces throughout and focussing on small details down to power solutions, spontaneous and flexible teamwork has been prioritised and a fluid environment has been created, allowing Cognizant to continuously recreate and optimise its workplace.
Sustainability was also at the forefront of Cognizant's project objectives. The fit-out prioritised eco-friendly practices, utilising FSC-certified and low-VOC products, while also repurposing existing furniture wherever possible – with 40% of the furniture items in the office being either re-used or recycled pieces.
Icons of Denmark collaborated closely with Perkins+Will to provide bespoke solutions, such as the 4T System booths, featuring custom curved steel frames and, notably, the integration of special privacy panels from Smile Plastics. Using our Spectra panels, the designers underscored a commitment to sustainability with our 100% recycled and 100% recyclable plastic panels, crafted from pre- and post-consumer rPET plastic waste. This holistic approach to design reflects Cognizant's dedication to environmental responsibility and circular design principles.
On Cloud Nine
“Our partnership with Cognizant for their new headquarters in Spitalfields, London, embodies eco-conscious design. Through our collaboration, we've had the privilege of incorporating our Spectra panels, not only elevating the visual appeal of the workspace but also enabling Cognizant to divert a significant volume of plastic waste from landfill. It's a testament to the transformative power of innovative materials and thoughtful design in forging a more sustainable future, where collaboration and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”— Smile Plastics co founder, Adam Fairweather
