PwC, like many companies, is in the midst of a transformation, its workforce is becoming more diverse and inclusive. Office life with this change in workforce is changing rapidly, the office is no longer just a place to work and meet. PwC's contemporary office must facilitate a wide range of activities for a diverse group of people. Together with PwC, we figured out what this new program of working, eating, meeting, inspiration, health, exhibiting and entrepreneurship means for a large atrium space.

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The result of this vision is a radically new approach to the zoning of space. The center of the plaza is occupied by a glass kitchen surrounded by flexible dining bars. Surrounding these bars are seating areas with different options to meet different needs, such as a meeting or a quick chat. Further away from the kitchen, more specific and often quiet areas, such as a wellness area or a meeting center, are located on the perimeter. By placing hospitality in the middle of the plaza, we can create an immediate sense of connection and constant bustle. The entire plaza is designed to be healthy and vibrant. Inspired by urban park planning, carefully placed greenery, trees and green walls are scattered throughout the space.

Health has been one of the guiding principles in designing the interior and food concepts for the PwC plaza. PwC challenged us to design the overall plaza with circular principles in mind, and so the entire plaza was designed to be built with circular materials and furniture.

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Part of the new Plaza is a community program to support and serve all stakeholders who have access to the campus area.

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Because of the large area and phased construction process, we advised PwC to start immediately with the Plaza programming method and services. It is, in a sense, managing change in behavior and expectations that cannot just be turned on and work. One of our team members took on the role of program curator to set up a programming format and content planning for the first year. We claimed a 100-square-meter space where we could launch and further develop the community program to engage PwC employees and give them a stage to provide feedback. We called this project Plaza X and was opened simultaneously with the kickoff of the construction process. Link to video.

Plaza X was a great opportunity to do R&D on PwC programming. We kept the design simple and are best compared to an execution floor that is modular. The initial setup was to inform visitors to Plaza X about future plans and designs, focusing on circular ambitions and solutions. Through trial and error, we refined the content and planning by trying out workshops, keynote speakers and events. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the building project was put on hold. However, Plaza programming was able to turn program content into digital options. This demonstrates the importance of a community management program for large corporations.

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