Case Studies / GlaxoSmithKline

GSK SATELLITE OFFICE

• 101 College Street, Toronto, ON
• September/05 to February/06
• 2950 sq ft

SERVICES

• Programming and pre design
• Schematic design
• Design development
• Interior design
• Construction administration
• Post construction
• Construction documents and specifications

GlaxoSmithKline, or GSK, tasked us with designing a satellite location within the MaRS Heritage Building, formerly the College Wing of the Toronto General Hospital. The office provides a city location whereby employees can telecommute while still remaining connected to the GSK HUB. But more importantly, the space serves to highlight GSK's innovative approach to the modern pharmaceutical industry.

With portions of the building classified as a Heritage Site, the Mayhew design solution needed to effectively straddle cutting edge progressiveness while preserving the building's historical significance.

The result was a simple but attractive workspace that took full advantage of the exposed brick and high open ceilings while optimizing the flow of natural light. With sustainable architectural products, contemporary lighting, and emerging technologies, Mayhew modernized the space and imbued it with an effective blend of past and future.

MAYHEW INGENUITY

The MaRS building previously functioned as patient and operating rooms of the former College Wing for the Toronto General Hospital. Thousands of lives were saved in this building, so when it came to maintaining the essence of the original structure, Mayhew Ingenuity was proud to play a part. In designing a workspace for an ultra modern pharmaceutical firm, we made every effort to leverage the existing structure, and actively combine both past and present. With an innovative blend of bare historical structure, modern architectural products, and sleek modern design, the resulting space became the quintessential workspace for a cutting edge firm and the model suite for the MaRS Centre.

REQUIREMENTS

The GlaxoSmithKline satellite office provides a downtown presence for senior staff and clients.

• Aligned with GSK mission to have visibility within the Medical and Sciences hub
• Create progressive look while respecting the heritage of the building

RESULTS

A destination space where people want to be.

• MaRS showcasing as model workspace to prospective tenants
• Effectively improved acoustics by specific design features
• Senior staff able to telecommute
• Contributed to retention/acquisition of staff
• Satellite location represents GSK vision

KEY ADVANTAGES OF THE DESIGN

• With the MaRS Centre classified as a heritage site, the Mayhew design solution leveraged the restored brick, exposed ceiling, and floor to ceiling cafe and the palladium windows
• With the workspace overlooking an expansive Atrium along one side and exterior windows along the opposite side, Mayhew's design complements natural light
• Flexibility strategy that balanced staff and conference space
• "A destination space where people want to be"
• Design reflects open culture and provides for effective collaboration
• Satellite location aligns with retention and acquisition goals providing senior staff with city space for client meetings and telecommuting

KEY DESIGN FEATURES

• A water feature at the entrance provides the space with a serene focal point
• A functional cafe which also provides collaborative meeting space
• Appliances hidden within the space to retain its design elements.
• Acoustical panels provide visual interest while decreasing noise
• The GSK boardroom houses state of the art AV/Teleconferencing equipment
• Use of diverse materials and finishes

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FEATURES

• Mayhew Design maintained the existing architecture wherever possible, promoting an open culture planning strategy
• Office fronts and furnishings can be reused and re-purposed, saving material, reducing waste, and reducing downtime when time to reconfigure