Working alongside Buro4 and MCM Architects, we were recently asked to help the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) relocate their offices, and 300 staff members, from Westminster to Blackfriars Road, SE1.
ODI are the UK’s leading independent think-tank focussing on international development and humanitarian affairs. Since their inception over fifty years ago, they have become one of the most highly respected sources of information about development issues worldwide.
In the initial design concept, we helped MCM introduce individuality to each floor through distinctions in colour. This was most noticeable in the breakout areas with the Allemuir Open range and the Naughtone Viv chairs where the extensive colour options helped establish an originality for each
level that is both bright and iconic.
The Vitra WorkIt benching system was specified by MCM throughout the main floors for its clean, simple and adaptable nature to suit ODI’s fast-paced and dynamic environment. To keep each floor’s colour scheme, we used fresh, white desking to contrast with the vivid colours applied to the fabric screens.
For the meeting rooms, we supplied stackable chairs from the stylish Vitra Hal and Visasoft portfolio. Kusch’s 6040 Sans Siro 10 person tables were also used. Containing an extensive array of power and data inputs, they are equipped with a simple flip-top mechanism, ensuring that the tables can be nested as a staggered stack for space saving storage.
ODI were impressed with the furniture choices and productive two week installation time; providing a space that is efficient and interactive with a strong sense of ODI’s colourful personality.