WeWork opens co-working space inside Stirling's No 1 Poultry
WeWork has added to its roster of London locations by setting up a shared working space inside James Stirling's renowned No 1 Poultry building, one of the UK's most significant postmodern buildings.
No 1 Poultry, which was designed by British architect Stirling back in 1985, will become WeWork's 28th co-working space branch in London.
The five-storey building occupies a corner plot near Bank Undergound Station and it's characterised by a pink and yellow striped facade crafted from limestone and a tall, cylindrical clock tower. It will accommodate an additional 2,300 members.
The interiors – which feature white-painted walls, light timber floors and a selection of vintage furnishings in homage to No 1 Poultry's postmodern roots – were completed by WeWork's in-house design team.
"When we designed the interior, it was all based on the incredible architecture of the building – something we wanted to celebrate," Andy Heath design director of WeWork EMEA, told Dezeen.
"History, architectural significance, interest, and location are the attributes we look for when searching for new buildings, and No 1 Poultry exceeds them all."
The main lounge areas in the office have been orientated to face onto the building's colourful central courtyard, which is clad in navy tiles and features pink, yellow and baby blue window frames.
Boardrooms and wellness spaces have then been integrated into the building's ship-like prow, to provide vistas over the busy streets and city landscape beyond. One intimate communal area has also been placed directly behind the transparent dial of the clock tower, dressed with red armchairs and throw blankets that mimic the colour of the ticking hands.
Existing shops at the building's ground and basement level, as well as its rooftop garden and restaurant, will also be available for use by visitors.
Earlier this year WeWork opened their first school, which was designed by architecture firm BIG. Situated in New York City, the WeGrow education centre features curved timber reading dens and large, lily pad-like cushions on which kids can jump and play.