Signbox has played an integral part in one of the most environmentally conscious projects in our history. The delivery of a prestigious sign and manifestation scheme for our client, the world’s oldest global law firm, follows its move into the state-of-the-art 100 Bishopsgate building in the heart of the City of London from its former Fleet Street base.
Following a successful tender process, Signbox was commissioned by main contractor, ISG, to design and install a series of striking glass manifestations along with bespoke bronze-painted lettering and laser-cut signs and symbols.
Our brief would encompass 13 floors of the landmark building that had been designed by Sheppard Robson architects to facilitate agile and remote working arrangements, including those made in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, the entire project was to be delivered during lockdown. The scheme was to be installed under unprecedented safety and social distancing restrictions imposed on the Signbox and client teams as we worked together to complete the scheme safely and according to the newly constricted timescales.
Putting environmental impact and workforce wellbeing first
The organisation’s commitment to minimising its environmental impact and supporting wellbeing was central to the relocation and is evidenced across the remarkable new workplace. The building boasts an ‘excellent’ sustainability rating, the fit-out using only recyclable or recycled items won an SKA Gold rating and has resulted in a 30% reduction in carbon use. Sophisticated recycling, zero single-use plastics and ‘PaperLite’ initiative will help maintain the momentum for decades to come.
The move to 100 Bishopsgate for the client is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine how they work.
Indeed, with its environmental impact, agile working and workforce wellbeing at centre stage, the Signbox solution would be tailored to suit an entirely new, future-proofed workplace dynamic. Our scheme would add elegant detailing to the reception area, its offices and meeting rooms, tea points, quiet rooms, café, restaurant and open plan areas across its 13 floors.
We were tasked with creating a vast series of bespoke 3D glass manifestations with a range of opacity levels on optically clear film in a suite of stunning designs. These biophilic manifestations featuring foliage, trees and birds, were applied to glass panels that captured the natural light, energising the interior workspaces and helping to promote a healthy, productive working environment. In total, we created and applied 8435 square metres of manifestation film.
Our digitally printed, laser-cut acrylic Icon and customised door signs were also designed to create a feeling of safety and care. Brushed stainless steel logos and built-up lettering with a fabulous bronze finish were applied to the reception area, café, restaurant and other communal spaces.
A new set of challenges to overcome
The delivery of the project coincided with the Covid-19 global pandemic, which would present a unique set of challenges; the likes of which the Signbox team with its wealth of experience had never encountered.
Key issues were working within the constraints of severe restrictions and a condensed timeline, both of which were triggered by the pandemic. To accommodate these constraints, Signbox produced a comprehensive set of social distancing Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) for the installation of all glass manifestations and signage works that were compliant with all government guidelines and site conditions.
In addition to the most testing of project management conditions, the logistics of working alongside other trades on a vast building with many floors and considerable equipment to move presented obvious challenges.
Nonetheless, thanks to a superb collaborative effort with our client teams, all aspects of installation of our signage solution, including the implementation of glass manifestation using requisite safeguards, were completed within the time constraints and to the satisfaction of the main contractor.
‘A true reflection of great teamwork and collaboration’
We were justifiably proud of our ability to deliver the project with such success and delighted to receive glowing praise from ISG, our commissioning client.
“Thank you from all of us at ISG to thank you and your teams for the Herculean efforts made for us to achieve practical completion today. Not only it completed on time, but we also have a full set of signed-off O&Ms, TWCs and few snags to complete.
This is an incredible achievement considering we have all had to work through this year’s ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. It is a true reflection of great teamwork and collaboration.”
Jed Gardner, Project Director, ISG
