HUT Pop-Up Office

Since the increase in flexible working, like many architecture studios, HUT have been rethinking our working methods and patterns. Places of work are no longer just offices; but members clubs, hotel lobbies, and coffee shops. When working from home is so convenient there not only needs to be an easy commute, but an incentive to come together for work, learning, support, and socialising.

But what does the modern workplace look like? New ways of working no longer involve spending 40+ hours a week sitting at a desk. The modern workforce is more mobile, and has become accustomed to a high level of flexibility in both where, and how we work.The modern workplace has become somewhere to meet up, share experiences, collaborate, educate, support and socialise. Could the ‘Pop up office’ be the answer?

HUT have relocated from their Hackney office into the heart of Clerkenwell where they are occupying one of their live construction projects for 6-12 months. The practice is hunkering down in an empty, unrenovated floor, so rent and rates are cheap. Close to Farringdon station, close to our clients and easy to get to. The practice is occupying a quantum of space that would ordinarily be out of its price range, particularly given the location.This allows the practice to accommodate more young people for work experience, host events, and is even providing a shared workspace for Build the Way trainees during their initial 3 month learning period.

Whilst the rest of the building is being renovated, the landlord minimises lost income from a space that would otherwise be vacant. And the occupancy of an otherwise empty space provides an element of security for the building. With a central location and the creation of a number of ad-hoc meeting spaces, the practice can still host clients and collaborators, which helps to create interest in the building during the pre-let period.

The practice has shifted to a pack up, plug in and play mentality. Furniture, lighting and storage is freestanding, light-weight and easy to move. The kitchen is on casters and the floor and wall finishes are temporary. Planting and carefully curated free-standing furniture give character and definition to spaces. Not only does this allow for quick removals, it reduces waste and limits single use fixtures and finishes. The practice has adjusted to an agile workspace. Once the tenancy has ended here, the plan is to move to another temporary space and do it all again.

We know that there are many under-occupied office buildings in great locations near transport hubs that are just sitting empty because they don’t reflect what people want. We want to help landlords and occupiers transform these empty buildings to become great flexible workspaces that enliven and bring people back into the city.

Get in touch if you’d like to learn more: info@hutarchitecture.com