THE
INSIDE
JOB
“
Developing innovative
work settings and
helping people deal
with change is both
challenging and
exciting. The greatest
challenge was to
create an environment
where people have
a strong sense
of belonging and
translating the new
benefits of a new way
of working.”
Neil Johanson
Director
Davenport Campbell
THE INSIDE JOB
THE INSIDE JOB
61
60
Commonwealth Bank Place is currently the largest
Activity Based Working (ABW) workplace in the world. The
building tenants, the Commonwealth Bank, set the vision
and collaborated with Lend Lease and the design team to
tailor the ABW work style to the needs of the bank.
The fit out design is a collaborative effort between leading
interior design firms Davenport Campbell and The E.G.O.
Group as creative director. Some of the key opportunities
for the bank were realised through the integrated base
building and fit out model that allowed for collaboration
between the fit out team and the building architects, fjmt.
This meant that key features of the project such as the
ground floor lobbies, atrium edge meeting rooms, stairs,
pods, bridges and the level six terraces were designed
specifically to meet the functional needs of the end users.
The role of the interior design team was to translate
CBA’s ABW brief into a workplace that aligned with CBA’s
cultural, business, operational and property needs.
The design process commenced with a research trip to
Northern Europe led by Lend Lease and CBA to gain an
in-depth understanding of ABW and to see if this work
style was suitable for the Bank. Upon the team’s return to
Australia they developed a full-scale prototype for testing
purposes. Feedback from this pilot study was essential
to support the business case for change. Once signed off,
they worked closely with the various business units as
part of the change management process. The result is a
highly successful workplace that integrates effective work
practices to drive efficiency and a work life balance.
The outcome is evident in the seamless integration of
architecture, interior fit out and an innovative
ABW solution.
