The Department Store, Brixton, London

Squire & Partners, a 220 strong architectural design practice, outgrew its base in Kings Cross and wanted to make a wholesale shift from the brightly lit workplace environment to one that injected different energy for their multi-skilled staff. The new headquarters, a dilapidated department store in Brixton went through a major transformation in which its complex layers of history are celebrated, blending its Edwardian charm with more contemporary artwork left by previous occupants. StudioFractal applied a multi-faceted philosophy to the lighting exploring the unique character of this multi-award-winning development; technical and sustainable needs are balanced with skilled craftsmanship to create a sophisticated and welcoming ambience.

Walking through the repurposed building with its wooden flooring, high ceilings and curated artwork you are guided by a family of period style luminaires, front of house, suspended above the bespoke ‘haberdashery’ reception desk are limited-edition hand-blown glass pendants.

With its bespoke furnishings, historic features and strategically balanced levels of light intensity, The Department Store offers the Squire & Partners team and its visitors a uniquely stimulating environment that dramatically reimagines the possibilities of the working office.

Film - The Department Store by Squire & Partners