Lenovo, Farnborough Business Park
Lenovo, a global technology leader, faced a pivotal decision as their office lease neared expiration amidst the transformative impacts of the global pandemic.
The need to adapt to the evolving preferences of their workforce led to the relocation of their office within the dynamic Farnborough Business Park. This move marked the start of an exciting journey, leveraging their collaboration with Studio Alliance member Area, previously proven effective during the refurbishment of Lenovo’s former Basingstoke office.
The Design Vision
The new headquarters, housed in a building designed by Sir Norman Foster, seamlessly integrates with Farnborough’s aviation-centric surroundings. This aviation theme inspired Area’s design approach, emphasising the essence of flight and innovation in both aesthetics and functionality.
The building’s design, with its inherent division into two wings—eastern and western—posed a challenge: the potential segregation of employees. Area‘s strategic solution involved positioning communal areas in both wings to encourage fluid movement and interaction among teams. This approach harnessed the unique architectural attributes and aviation-themed context, ensuring the space fostered connectivity and cross-functional synergy.
Lenovo’s vision for its new workspace centred on the seamless integration of its brand identity.
Incorporating Lenovo’s Brand
This was prominently visible from the reception area, featuring an illuminated LED Lenovo logo. The design employed a carefully curated colour palette that transitioned from deep greys to subtle shades of purple, with warm and dynamic accents of pink, light blue, and grey. Lenovo’s iconic bold red was subtly incorporated throughout the space to maintain brand consistency without overwhelming the design.
Sustainability is a core aspect of Lenovo’s global strategy, influencing it’s approach to products, operations, and office spaces. Collaborating with Waste to Wonder, an upcycling and recycling initiative, Lenovo ensured their office exemplified environmentally responsible design and construction. The project focused on reusing materials, diverting waste from landfills, and supporting the “School in the Box” initiative, which provides educational resources to underprivileged communities.
A key aspect of the office transformation was addressing the ceiling aesthetics. Working closely with Area, we supplied a creative solution by supplying the AC500 cloud raft system with Zircon RB55, finished in black. This system was chosen for its Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), aligning with Lenovo’s global strategy emphasising sustainability. The unique manufacturing process of the AC500 system ensures no material is lost, as the flat sheets are sheared to create expanded openings. This not only provides excellent aesthetic qualities but also offers superior strength properties, enhancing both the visual and structural elements of the workspace.
The emphasis on openness and collaboration was in line with Lenovo’s mission, creating an environment that supports both individual and collective productivity. The office transformation achieved significant environmental impacts, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting community initiatives. The project proudly holds a SKA Gold Certification and is located within a BREEAM Excellence certified building, underscoring its commitment to sustainable fit-out practices. These accreditations highlight Lenovo’s dedication to creating workspaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.