Coca-Cola headquarters by MoreySmith is decorated with vintage memorabilia
Coca-Cola's London headquarters has relocated to a space designed by UK studio MoreySmith that includes a wall of 5,000 recycled drink bottles (+ slideshow).
MoreySmith was briefed with creating a space for 350 of drinks brand Coca-Cola's employees in the UK, who have moved to Wimpole Street in London's west end from the city's Hammersmith area.
The designers used vintage paraphernalia including graphics, signage and packaging to decorate the five-storey interior.
"Using the brand's iconic history, we have created a space which also draws upon the vibrant energy of the organisation," said studio founder Linda Morey Smith. "The result is an environment for team happiness with uplifting and comfortable spaces for staff and visitors to work, meet, collaborate and socialise."
The building was originally designed in 1912 by architect John Belcher as the home of Royal Society of Medicine.
Its interior was stripped back to the shell and redesigned to incorporate a large 1980s extension to the back.
A reception, cafe, coffee bar, open plan workspace and meeting suite were all added into the space.
In the entrance, a large Coca-Cola logo is painted onto a brick wall above the entry gates.
A specially commissioned piece of art by British designer Stuart Haygarth hangs from the second floor over the reception, consisting of 80,000 pieces of acrylic "ice chunks" suspended on fine wires in the shape of a falling comet.
"I wanted to create something that was literally out of this world, powerful, dynamic and would glow with energy - it had to stop people in their tracks," said Haygarth.
The staircase runs through the centre of the building alongside a wall of Coca-Cola memorabilia from the brand's archives.
Part of the wall includes LED-lit sections made up of 5,000 recycled Coca-Cola bottles, which extends the entire height of the building.
Red – the main colour of Coca-Cola's iconic branding – is used for furniture and lighting fixtures throughout the interior. A patchwork of materials and patterns breaks up the floor surfaces.
Employees can also use the roof terrace that has been kitted out with cafe furniture, from which they can take in views across the city.
MoreySmith has designed a number of offices in London for well-known brands, including online fashion retailer Asos and drinks brand Red Bull. See more design by MoreySmith »
Here's some more information from the designers:
Coca-Cola moves to new headquarters in central London
The Coca-Cola Company has today moved into its new London headquarters in Wimpole Street, London W1. The new office will house around 300 Coca-Cola employees from across Europe and will replace the company's previous offices in Hammersmith, W6.
The brand's new London base is a 1920s purpose built office block which has been refitted throughout. It is set over four floors, covering 66,000 square feet and features a roof terrace, café, meeting rooms, open plan office space and hot desk facilities.
The interior of the building is a celebration of the company's heritage and place in popular culture. A staircase runs through the centre of the building with a backdrop showcasing the company's heritage, featuring iconic Coca-Cola memorabilia with designs and advertising from the archives.
At the heart of the building, hanging from the second floor into the reception, is a specially commissioned piece of art by award-winning British designer Stuart Haygarth. The four metre high comet shaped art-work features over 80,000 acrylic ice chunks, suspended on ultra-fine wires and illuminated by LEDs.
Sarah Hutton, Human Resources Director, The Coca-Cola Company said: "The new office creates an inspiring and motivating place to work which celebrates the heritage of The Coca-Cola Company and reflects the values and culture of our brand. We're looking forward to moving into the heart of the West End and being even closer to many of our key partners and agencies."
Linda Morey Smith, Principal Director, MoreySmith comments: "We are thrilled to have designed Coca-Cola's new UK headquarters. Using the brand's iconic history, we have created a space which also draws upon the vibrant energy of the organisation. The result is an environment for team happiness with uplifting and comfortable spaces for staff and visitors to work, meet, collaborate and socialise."
Sustainability has been at the heart of the refit programme with the building achieving the SKA Gold rating in recognition of the work to fit out the building sustainably. The building also includes features such as extensive LED lighting throughout and Photovoltaic (PV) cells on the roof to generate electricity for the building.
Project Managers and Workplace strategy: CBRE
Architect and Interior Designer: MoreySmith
Mechanical and Electrical Engineers: Medland Metropolis
Quantity Surveyors: Core Five
Contracters: BW interiors
Structural Engineers: Price and Myers
Art installation: Stuart Haygarth
Coca-Cola feature wall: Acrylicize