Public Service Village

Summary

As part of a major regeneration programme, Suffolk County Council needed a landmark, public sector office building to integrate staff from two local authorities, in one open-plan space.

The brief

The building needed a prominent location, a strong presence and a shared reception, bringing the councils together and making it easier for the public to access services. It also had to provide a modern, efficient, flexible working environment with improved facilities, meeting rooms, conference space and areas for democratic activities.

Our response

We designed a four-storey, open-plan atrium building on a high-profile corner plot. The atrium provides openness, light and natural ventilation. Office space and public zones are linked by generous circulation bridges which double up as breakout and meeting spaces.

Key facts

• We created a landmark building, serving two councils and the public.
• The building has inspired a new ethos, reduce the councils’ waste and improving efficiency.
• Breakout spaces have facilitated impromptu meetings, creating better working groups.
• The building achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating.