Bayer, 400 South Oak Way
The aim was to create a flexible, inspiring and exciting workplace that increases collaboration, interaction. and attracts and retains talent.
Image credit to Tetris Bluu
Key Information
- Client: Bayer Public Limited Company
- Architect: Perkins + Will UK Ltd
- Location: Reading
Project Overview
The aim was to create a flexible, inspiring and exciting workplace that increases collaboration, interaction. and attracts and retains talent. This design approach was applied through a variety of worksettings, including open plan workstations, quiet booths, large and small meeting rooms, informal breakout areas and semi-enclosed spaces.
Brief scope of works
The BCO judging panel felt that Bayer has created a space that both reflects the company’s culture and values, and provides a variety of workplace settings for its agile workforce. They commented that Bayer’s consultative approach amongst its staff, in which the design team incorporated feedback on the project throughout the process, resulted in a fit out that is elegant and stylish without compromising functionality. The judges were particularly impressed with the ‘BayLab’, a permanent lab space dedicated to hosting school visits to inspire the next generation of scientists. Overall, they described Bayer’s relocation to its new office as marking a transformation in the company’s ways of working, and highlighted its exemplary staff retention rate as evidence of the project’s success.
