“The new, open office presents an entirely new and delightful way of working. After moving in, we noticed an immediate impact on the team. This is an exciting time for Cambridge University Press.” – Michael Peluse
MKDA completed a 40,000-SF workplace at One Liberty Plaza for Cambridge University Press. The workplace that the firm designed for the world’s oldest media business, and second-largest university press in the world, was crafted to reflect the biggest change the publishing industry has faced since 1440 when the printing press was invented: the digital revolution.
Considering its significance, the design concept devised by MKDA had to accomplish two objectives: one, communicate this meaningful and challenging transformation while honoring the Press’s history, creating a connection between the past and current models; and two, foster local and global communication.
According to MKDA Creative Director Edin Rudic, the answer was to celebrate the Press’s immense heritage and the historic architecture of the University of Cambridge, of which the Press is a part, and then to reimagine them for the digital age. The approach led to an open workplace that looks, feels and functions like a tech startup, but that contains echoes of the institution’s history and tradition of knowledge.
“We created an abstracted replica of the University of Cambridge with modern architectural features, vibrant colors and evocative spaces,” explained Rudic. “Classical and contemporary, print and digital, new and old collide to create something entirely new and unexpected— a space the transcends definition.”
The beautiful cobblestone courtyards and sweeping lawns of the University were inspiration for the open-air reception and adjacent piazza—the heart of the Press’s campus. There, a café, lounge and bleacher seating provide space to hang out or hold formal meetings with local and global teams. Grass-like carpet tiles create ‘outdoor’ space that is bordered by an all-glass conference room and boardroom that can be combined to create a large town hall space.
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“We created an abstracted replica of the University of Cambridge with modern architectural features, vibrant colors and evocative spaces,” explained Rudic. “Classical and contemporary, print and digital, new and old collide to create something entirely new and unexpected— a space the transcends definition.”
The beautiful cobblestone courtyards and sweeping lawns of the University were inspiration for the open-air reception and adjacent piazza—the heart of the Press’s campus. There, a café, lounge and bleacher seating provide space to hang out or hold formal meetings with local and global teams. Grass-like carpet tiles create ‘outdoor’ space that is bordered by an all-glass conference room and boardroom that can be combined to create a large town hall space.
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Casual strolls along Cambridge’s wooden footbridges inspired an oak runway that circles the work area. Red linear light fixtures run the length of the runway, providing direction to an abundant collection of collaborative spaces woven throughout. Open ceilings painted grey create a backdrop for suspended lights hung in a geometric pattern to resemble a computer’s motherboard.
Collaborative spaces include a library, telephone booths, lounges and various meeting, touch down and hoteling spaces.21 semi-private and two executive offices have glass fronts, but no doors, and deconstructed plywood sidewalls that disturb the classic symmetry of the office line and resemble books on a shelf.
A favorite lounge is The Rose Garden and Tea Pantry, which was designed with a mint green, white and rust color palette and provincial design elements that resemble a rural British kitchen. Also equipped with conferencing technology, it provides the perfect setting for quick chat with a colleague or sip of tea from the tea and espresso bar.
