Office life through the keyhole
As the nights draw in and the lights go on in office buildings up and down the country, darkness provides an opportunity to see inside the working environments of others.
Offices are odd places, especially after all or most of the inhabitants have left for the day.
Cleaners usually have the floors to themselves but in Cologne on 29 October 15 organisations are throwing open their doors so that visitors and interested members of the public can “explore what is usually closed”.
It’s billed as a “night of corporate architecture” and no doubt most of those going on the tour will be focusing on experiencing the latest trends such as green building and sustainability, revitalizing buildings or even office and work concepts of the 21st century. At the same time, it’s a chance to see inside the working ‘home’ of others and wonder perhaps ‘who works in a place like this?’
Tickets for Insight Cologne go on sale in mid-September and cost 15 euros, or 30 euros including entry to ORGATEC 2010.
Which buildings would you like to look around if the opportunity arose and would you nominate your own office building as a show-stopper?
Share your views and ideas on office open evenings.
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There are some offices that seem extensions of the companies brand itself and would be well worth looking around. GE and Google spring to mind as pretty interesting HQs.
I would love to see inside the Gherkin. 38th-tallest building in Europe, sixth-tallest building in the United Kingdom
I would love to see inside the Gherkin. 38th-tallest building in Europe, sixth-tallest building in the United Kingdom
We've had a few events there Tom. It's a cracking view from the top, although at our last event I spent most of it in the lift!
The Evening Standard has been publishing a list of 'open house' events around London. Buildings that are open this weekend 18-19 September, with free entrance are:
Foreign Office and India Office, King Charles Street, SW1
London Library, 14 St James Square, SW1
22&23 Bateman's Row, EC2
Royal College of Art, Sackler Building, 14-22 Howie Street, SW11
The Master Shipwright's House, Watergate Street, SE8
Royal College of Physicians, St Andrews Place, NW1
London 2012 Olympic Park, Oliver Rd, E10
Zog House, Donaldson Road, NW6
Gap House, Monmouth Road, W2
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Brentfiels Road, NW10
Awesome Rebecca. Is that a regular thing do you know?
Hi Nicola,
From what I have read, it appears to occur yearly. Have a look at http://www.openhouselondon.org.uk/ they have more 'open doors' and you can even order a guide (maybe a bit late for the weekend - but you can always have a look)
Enjoy!
Ah I see pre-booking closed yesterday. That's a shame.
Hi Nicola,
1st - 5th November 2010 Workplace Week is a week long celebration of Workplace innovation, in aid of Children in Need 2010.
Microsoft, Lloyds of London, Cisco Systems, Nationwide Building Society, Rio Tinto, Standard Life, Royal Bank of Scotland and Regus will be opening their doors and offering the opportunity to witness best practice and innovation in workplace design, delivery and operation, all in aid of Children in Need.
To sign up for a Workplace Week visit, please go through the following steps:
Workplace Week is run by leading workplace consultants Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA). During the week, companies will open their doors and host visits to their offices during working hours.
To attend a 90-minute presentation and visit, led by senior leaders and experts from the host company, delegates book a place at AWA’s website http://www.advanced-workplace.com, and make a minimum donation of £25 to Children in Need.