Channel 4’s brief was to create an evolution of their recently built spaces in Leeds, Bristol & Glasgow rather than a departure due to the success of these locations. This new location was a significant increase on their current footprint in Manchester and they wanted their new space to have more of a club/lounge/hospitality feel where their people would want to be and enjoy. It was also important the space has the flexibility to host small events with staff, clients and partners.
At the heart of the space, a multi-functional café area, called ‘The Hub’ provides breakout and informal meeting space, as well as a flexible events area. The installation of state of the art AV equipment helps to facilitate this events area, as well as being incorporated throughout the space. Warm natural tones, rustic terracotta tiles, engineered wood flooring, and polished ply booths, are paired with touches of lux brass detailing, mosaic tiles, deep pile soft fabrics and reeded crittall glazing.
Arch details in the crittall glazing and joinery take inspiration from the buildings heritage and original Police station façade. As a creative business, breakout and huddle spaces for collaboration were key considerations, with a range of areas being provided, from an informal huddle space enclosed with acoustic curtains and one to one meeting booths, to a quiet secluded nook area.
Inclusivity and wellbeing is a high priority for Channel 4, so GTA worked closely with inclusivity consultants Goss to ensure this new space is as inclusive as possible. Measures incorporated included providing a range of environments from quiet booths with adjustable lighting, to individual work pods for neurodiverse individuals, visual fire alarm beacons throughout the space and hearing loops for hearing impaired, clearly defined flooring zones to demark areas and high contrast handle details for the visual impairment, and a multipurpose wellbeing room. High quality acoustics were also paramount. GTA engaged acousticians, Hawkins Associates, to carry out detailed consultation, and applied their recommendations to give C4 the best possible results.
Biophilia has also been incorporated throughout, to enhance air quality and bring nature into the working environment. High quality acoustics were also paramount. GTA engaged Hawkins Associates to carry out detailed consultation, and applied their recommendations to give C4 the best possible results. With sustainability being core to both GTA and C4’s values, SKA Gold was targeted, ensuring all aspects of the design and build were carefully considered to ensure high ESG credentials were achieved.
The end result, a sophisticated, high quality and welcoming space.
