Judge's comments:

A one-of-a-kind workplace that celebrates contemporary Aotearoa, connect employees with the natural environment and expels preconceived notions of ‘the typical law firm’.
An oasis of greenery disarms this legal office into an ecosystem of delightful and commute-worthy spaces. The clients brief of creating a healthy and productive work place that attracts and retains talent has certainly been achieved.
This project offers a refreshing and courageous take on the status quo expectations and what we'd typically find in an office environment.

Description:

As New Zealand’s largest litigation firm, MC is in competition with large Australasian and global law firms for top talent. The design brief for its 230-person premises was therefore to deliver a premium, one-of-a-kind workspace that appeals to the best up-and-coming legal talent. As part of the brief, the client wanted to celebrate contemporary Aotearoa, connect employees with the natural environment in a workspace dedicated to wellbeing, and expel preconceived notions of ‘the typical law firm’. To attract employees back to the office following lockdowns, the client wanted to provide an unparalleled employee experience in a premium ecosystem designed for the development of exemplary litigation skills.

Jasmax has designed an unparalleled workspace, which radically differentiates the firm and exemplifies its forward-thinking approach to attracting talent. Centrally located on the top two levels in a building in Auckland’s CBD, the space connects employees to nature by uniquely including a living terrarium, which provides a sensory experience akin to walking through the Waitakere Ranges. The terrarium space is a full multi-sensory experience. Visually, you are drawn to the scale and depth of the layered forest experience. The space is acoustically enhanced with a soundtrack that includes bird song. Oxygen levels within the terrarium are elevated, the air is cooler, and the lighting is subdued to support indoor planting and rejuvenate people.

Also unique to New Zealand is a precise replica of Auckland’s High Court to support professional development. This replica courtroom is the only one of its kind in Australasia and perhaps the world, providing valuable training opportunities for up-and-coming talent.

Six staff workspaces celebrating aspects of contemporary Aotearoa are arranged across two buildings either side of a full-height atrium interconnected by generous link bridges and stairways, encouraging informal bump spaces in the heart of the floorplate alongside a vibrant café.

This one-of-a-kind space has also become the first law firm in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve WELL Pre-Certification. A rigorous material selection process was undertaken to ensure products met WELL targets. This included using New Zealand-made products wherever possible, resulting in more than two thirds of the furniture provided by local suppliers.

Materiality, detailing and finishes throughout the workspace and terrarium have been influenced by biophilic design principles, to reduce stress, enhance wellbeing, and increase motivation and creativity through connection to nature. As well as indirect contact to nature with tactile materials colours, textures and patterning that respond to the natural world.

This project takes the concept of office greenery to a whole new level with lush, raised gardens, island oases, and huge palms. Innovative solutions have been generated to sustain the 1,600+ plants in the space, which mirrors a forest-floor microclimate. Oxygen levels are elevated, the air is cooler, and photosynthetic lighting has been introduced. The terrarium offers space for contemplation, creativity, informal meetings and to experience the restorative effects of being immersed in nature during the workday.