Our blend of architectural, interiors, workplace strategy and town planning expertise combined with the exciting conceptual design were key factors in securing the commission to remodel O2?s headquarters campus in Slough ahead of 12 other practices. The commission involves the fit-out of a new office block, the refurbishment of their existing offices and the design of a new iconic link building to join the two together. An important part of the brief is to expand O2?s brand ideas into the working culture of the organisation. Workplace zones are designed to absorb the most efficient rectilinear spaces offered by each building with the social interaction spaces situated in the link building, creating the life hub of the campus. The link building unites the two office buildings which are both different in form and architectural treatment. Rather than attempting to camouflage the transition from one building to another, the link building design creates a new identity and functional focus for the campus as a whole. The triple storey volume link building houses a bridge structure which connects the second floors of each building. This creates two spatial zones, the first is a double height ground floor area incorporating a buzzing and lively entrance with meeting and refreshment areas. The second is a single storey restaurant space under the sweeping canopy roof which is visually connected with the ground floor but is wide enough to allow a sense of calm. The ground floor space in the link, in addition to performing the functions described above, offers the opportunity to clear the space in order to hold either internal or external events. It will be used as a showcase for customer experience installations or displays as well as allowing home ground testing of new ideas, technologies and branding. As part of the masterplan design for the campus we are reviewing traffic flows, opportunities for landscaping and the creation of external meeting/recreational areas that can provide a mix of private and public spaces to maximise the use of the campus as a whole.