In 2003 Allen & Overy leased four floors at 40 Bank Street with the intention of being as accessible as possible to clients and other institutions located at and around Canary Wharf. The new office environment was to include practice floors for fee earners and support staff as well as ancillary amenities.

Having pioneered alternative ways of working at their Project Group Space in Wood Street, Allen & Overy was to take their innovative approach one step further. Gensler was hired to assist with full interior design services and help articulate the firm's shared long-term vision.

Innovation was key and Allen & Overy asked Gensler to do "blue sky thinking" in order to articulate the vision for this project.

Gensler followed suit by holding an unorthodox visioning session for key Allen & Overy personnel at a venue selected for its symbolic power: the London Eye. This venue allowed Allen & Overy to look at their firm from different angles and helped illustrate that the design solution would emerge not from 'reinventing the wheel' but from adopting a different perspective for the firm.

To determine Allen & Overy's aspirations, the Gensler team used a combination of abstract materials, words and imagery to provoke thought and debate. This exercise was followed by a series of interviews with individual groups as well as a web survey to all Allen & Overy staff.

"Intelligent productivity" (and its key components Identity, Process, People and Technology) were identified as Allen & Overy's main point of differentiation. These drivers were used to represent Allen & Overy's new ways of working in a scheme that reflects the company's common vision for the future.

Several facets were involved in the design concept to create a contemporary environment where the individuality of spaces is underpinned by the continuity of the innovative and thought provoking visual language and to create a variety of collaborative and cellular spaces to meet different needs, each with its individual feel and look. This diversity, in line with Allen & Overy's use of wireless technology, acts as a source of inspiration, giving people the opportunity to be productive in lots of different areas. An integral part of the design was an ambitious lighting scheme with the aid of Indigo Light who acted as consultants for the project. Gensler's unconventional treatment of breakout areas was inspired by the interests and hobbies of Allen & Overy's staff: Recreation (Sports Lounge), Relaxation (Library) and Retreat (Zen Area). The use of props, materials, furniture and lighting give each of the three areas a unique identity and vocabulary.

The sports lounge was fitted with an illuminated ceiling from Barrisol. The ceiling changes colours throughout the day from white to blue using fluorescents and staff also have the option of a manual override creating a visually striking, dynamic breakout space.

The light in the library is more subtle to create a domestic feeling. Reflecting Allen & Overy's equalitarian approach, teamwork spaces and most breakout areas occupy prime office space and benefit from the stunning views over the city of London. The Artemide Surf luminaire was selected to illuminate the open plan office plates. The Surf is a very slim, linear luminaire, which when painted white, gives minimum presence against the ceiling. The luminaire has a 100% uplight proportion, which illuminates the ceiling, complying with LG3 and effectively giving the space a higher, brighter feel. It is a non-invasive fitting.

A vertical circulation concept creates a ring road around the office core, keeping circulation away from the workstations and enhancing the opportunities for chance encounters.

The corridor zone was illuminated using the iGuzzini Mini Sivra luminaire. The luminaire utilises a cool and warm circuit that alters throughout the day. With the corridor always being in the field of vision of the occupants this creates a more interesting and dynamic backdrop.

The mixed use of the meeting rooms placed great demands on the lighting solution. To meet these requirements specially illuminated, dimmable ceilings from RSL were specified. The ceilings give high levels of illumination for video conferencing and can be dimmed and used in conjunction with Lucent downlights when lower levels are required, such as audio visual or dining.

Light is set to change subtly throughout the day, replicating natural light cycles. The overall design complements the buildings envelope, providing unobstructed views over the City.

Moving away from the conventional law firm look, Gensler used wall-to-wall cloud panels in the reception area to extend the sky outside throughout the building. The effect was created by Arc Lighting who manufactured and installed 72 sqm of System MuroŠ illuminated glass wall cladding which spanned the entire length of the building. The cloud walls also act as a representation of Allen & Overy's innovative stance, creating a refreshing atmosphere and conveying the idea that skies are always blue at Allen & Overy.

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