Westland Insurance Bulegoko Barne Diseinua

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Focusing on flexibility, the top floor houses the reception area, conference center, bistro and catering kitchen and can double as an event space when needed. A featured staircase adjoining the top floors allows for connection between workstations and the reception. Westland’s value of diversity is seen throughout the space through distinctive artwork, accessible signage, and graphics.

Dimensions & Packaging

The workplace is 5500 square meters in size and split into six levels. The reception area, conference center, bistro, and catering kitchen are located on the top floor. 338 workstations, 38 offices, and 34 meeting rooms are distributed across the five lower floors. Support and collaboration areas are positioned in the same or comparable locations on each floor to provide staff familiarity across all levels.

Tags

collaborative, warm, natural, inviting, Canadian, organic, adaptable, inclusive

Production Technology

A workplace that supports connection, collaboration, and company growth. Modular planning creates a futureproof workplace that suits various work styles. The design enables various forms of work, from intimate brainstorming sessions to conferences. There is an equitable distribution of offices and workstations, and employees can sit anywhere and feel at ease. To highlight Canada, local elements were utilized. Concrete, wood, handwoven rugs are included to provide a calm space for staff.

Design Challenge

The irregular floorplate for the base building features sharp corners. The harsh angle of the building did not align with the design goal of having a welcoming and approachable space. Designers were challenged to include curved forms to provide a calming sensation and a subconscious relation to the natural environment.

Research

Primary research was used to assess space needs. The goal was to figure out how its employees work best and how to best accommodate a hybrid working model. Through company-wide assessments and leadership interviews, data was collected to identify workstyle personas which inform the amount and types of spaces needed within the workplace. Scenario planning utilized this data to set the layout. With the help of this research, Westland was able to reduce square footage needs and increase savings.

Inspiration

Westland Insurance's new 5500 square meter head office is flexible, represents its brand and culture, and promotes connection. The office features natural elements and materials local to Canada. With inspiring and approachable as the design concept, each floor has a consistent welcoming feel. Common elements and repetition in materiality provide unity between floors and easy navigation. Inspiring views are celebrated by highlighting them for shared common use among staff. Common features and repetition in materiality provide unity between floors and easy navigation.

Project Duration

Phase one (discovery and workplace strategy) of the project began in September 2020. The design phase began in March 2021 and continued until September. The company took possession of the space in June 2022. The project is based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

Operation Flow

The bistro was intentionally placed on the top floor and features elements not offered on other floors to bring employees together. A featured staircase connecting the top two floors allows employees to have more casual encounters. Support and collaboration spaces are seen in the same or similar locations on every floor to allow employees to travel seamlessly throughout the six levels of the office.

Image Credits

Luke Potter Photography