The project involved the fitting out and refurbishment of 4 no. storeys of AXA HQ, Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin. The clients brief was to create a dynamic and agile workplace that fosters innovation, inclusion and trust. Our design requirements were to optimise space by re-organising departmental layouts and adjacencies, promote a more inclusive environment to support the culture of ‘One AXA’ and create a space that drives empowerment and accountability.
Our concept for the project came from the word AXA and its original logo of the red strike through used throughout . Taking the ‘X’ and exploring different variations of this shape we used this shape in different ways throughout the design to create spaces and in acoustic ceiling and wall panels, furniture and floor finishes.
The key recommendations which informed the clients brief for the project were as follows:To achieve Modernisation implementing “activity based” way of working using up to date technology. Improve staff Well Being by enhanced support facilities and internal environment to encourage increased productivity. Develop greater transparency and open communication. Adopt a neighbourhood based layout. Include collaboration and break out areas with minimum enclosure and maximum flexibility. Provide a modern and bright restaurant and tea station facilities. Shower / Changing and Yoga / Fitness Facilities with Formal & Informal training spaces on Ground Floor.
The accommodation includes a new Board Room facility, a large Training / Townhall Mero Room and meeting rooms of various sizes and technical capability and support facilities including go to printing, lockers, cloakrooms, comms room, security command center and new reception. The project also includes the complete refurbishment of the existing toilets together with provision of new male, female and disabled toilets to meet current standards and TGD M compliance. The design also introduced new raised access floors throughout to maximise flexibility for future churn with new M+E Services including air conditioning, Led lighting, security, fire alarm and emergency lighting and access control services. The design also included enhancements to the external facades and roof including new glazed screens to the South Façade to bring daylight in to the deep portion of the floor plates and to open the restaurant to the new south garden. The scope also included a new high performance glazed façade at ground floor which is to be extended out to the line of the façade above creating additional floor space and forming a new entrance arrangement including a new revolving door.
The development is being carried out on a phased basis while AXA remain in-situ with staff occupying a swing space to facilitate the phasing sequence. Phase 1 was completed in November 2018. There has been extensive planning and communication of the nature and sequence of the works to keep staff informed and to minimise disruption to the smooth day to running of the AXA offices.