Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority Offices – Perth
Woods Bagot has designed the offices of the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority, located in Perth, Australia.
Woods Bagot worked with Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority (MRA) to create a workplace that articulates their character and culture as enabled, welcoming and service-orientated. The dynamic planning portfolio delivery arm to the State Government of Western Australia, the MRA prides itself on developing some of the most innovative government initiatives demonstrated through projects including: The Perth City Link, Elizabeth Quay, and the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre.
Conducting a workplace engagement strategy with a cross section of the MRA team and specialist project consultants, Perth studio Workplace Interiors Sector Leader Stirling Fletcher said the process was about understanding how to create a workplace environment that reflected MRA’s commitment “to create dynamic, authentic and sustainable places with communities where people want to live, work and visit”.
“Through this process we were able to understand and help the MRA define is own identity through the personalisation of space. At its core, the MRA is a business that builds, grows and connects people; so creating opportunities to organically form communities within the workplace was paramount.” said Fletcher.Three key focus areas that came out of the discussions included creating a new workplace that celebrated:
1. Friendliness and Accessibility
2. Energy and Engagement
3. Collaborative and Connected.Connectivity was achieved through the implementation of mobile technologies, creating a greater diversity of work settings balancing both team and focused activities. Finished in high-quality textured fabrics, the interiors scheme makes reference to the MRA brand in a considered and sophisticated manner underpinned by a domestic aesthetic.
Woods Bagot made a conscious decision to support local and national craftsmanship as a commitment to the community within which the MRA operates. Furniture was sourced and customised specifically for the project, with makers including Nick Statham and Square Peg supplying locally sourced timbers. The MRA also enabled access to salvaged solid Oregon timber sourced from the Midland Train Yards, with the design team repurposing it as part of the arrival experience.
Considering sustainability and environmental impact. twenty per cent of the furniture used in MRA’s previous office fit-out was relocated to the new floor. Elements of the existing Level 3 fit-out were also leveraged and retained to minimise wastage. A rapid construction period of just five weeks, intelligent resourcing of both materials and time afforded greater efficiency for the project.
Design: Woods Bagot
Design Team: Janie Green, Kaila Cicchini, Stirling Fletcher, Tenille Teakle
Photography: Dion Robeson
