A SENSE OF PLACE

The move to the new headquarters for HSBC in Auckland presented an opportunity to implement new ways of working, aligning with the HSBC Global Workplace Strategy, whilst also responding to the local context.

The new headquarters have positioned HSBC within the revitalised Commercial Bay precinct, with spectacular views over the bay.

Within the interior architecture there is a dialogue between the refined materiality and connection to the local area, embodying the concept of the significance of place. Leather and marble combine with Indigenous reclaimed timbers, lava stone and locally inspired colours to create a palette that talks to a combination of the HSBC global spirit as well as acknowledgment of the local culture.

The furniture selection was also an area that allowed for local expression. We sourced locally designed and constructed furniture to accompany global directed workstations and task chairs.

Views can be enjoyed throughout the space, but the hero view is of the harbour to the North. It was decided early on to spatially organise to celebrate this view, for not only the front of house visitors, but also the staff hub space on the upper floor. An open access stair and green wall links the two spaces with a generous void opening up views and enhancing the visual connection.

Collaboration spaces are clustered around the stair to activate the connection between floors and encourage bump meetings and cross team pollination.

In addition to the HSBC office, an HSBC branch was integrated with customer access direct from the lift lobby. Careful consideration was required to ensure the retail space was read cohesively with the fitout, whilst at the same time having distinct zones for security and clear boundaries between the spaces for commercial and retail clients.

The result has given HSBC a premium head office for New Zealand that is recognisable as part of the global portfolio, yet unquestionably at home in its Auckland context.