Project Description

EY has invested in a future workplace in Melbourne by re-energizing the existing meeting floors, to create a holistic experience that prioritizes human connection experience over large scale and anonymous events. It is a rare client ‘front of house’ space that allows the thoughtful integration of a past design and materials and really analyse why we, as an industry, demolish materials of a regular basis, detrimental to our environmental impact. We retained and reimagined many of the existing materials while reshaping the 2004 stair and reimagining the overall client journey. Gensler responded to the challenge by creating flexible spaces that enrich the client experience and selectively reusing existing elements to seek a greater sustainable outcome. With a move from large scale seminars to small intimate more personal spaces to build deeper relationships, the focus is on a hosted experience balancing the personal and the digital. The insertion of curtains allows different combinations of scenarios, to open or divide the space to evoke a changing user experience. The Design Studio merges technology, audio visual overlay, enhanced digital experiences and modularity of components. Gensler were also asked to consider EY’s DE&I goals in increasing supplier diversity and physically representing their goals to be a leader is supporting sustainability and diversity. As a project, it acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this workplace sits, the Peoples of the Kulin Nation, and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, an optimistic and inclusive future for Indigenous communities. In the main reception will be a sculpture being created by a community collective of local First Nation women and trans women artists called Ngardang Girri Kalat Mimini. This is a learning experience with the ‘Aunties’ mentoring younger weavers, reinterpreting the Story of the Iuk (river eel). This intergenerational approach resonated with the original project goals. This project is unique globally for EY - it celebrates and actively supports local and Indigenous suppliers. Over 70% of our furniture suppliers are certified Indigenous ownership suppliers through a program called Supply Nation, with one lighting supplier, a cleaning contractor and artwork supplier also falling under this certification scheme.