Inside Transport Research Laboratory’s New Wokingham Office

Transport Research Laboratory, a private company providing innovative research, technology and software solutions for surface transport modes and related markets of automotive, motorsport, insurance and energy, recently hired workplace design firm Area, to design their new offices in Wokingham, England.

“When Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) made the decision to consolidate its operation within the building they currently occupy, they took the opportunity to review their current way of working. Area, and sister company 360 Workplace, worked with project manager Carter Jonas to deliver an innovative solution that efficiently optimised the available space, whilst the client remained in occupation. Initially, 360 Workplace conducted a workplace study to understand TRL’s existing ways of working, as well as a utilisation study to measure meeting room occupancy. The result of both studies showed that TRL could adopt a more transient environment, which would facilitate informal agile working areas whilst decreasing the required sq ft-age per person. With the client remaining in occupation throughout the fit-out, Area worked with Carter Jonas to come up with a seven-stage phased project programme that would minimise disruption to TRL’s day-to-day operation. The scope of works included opening up the existing atrium to create a new reception area with a ‘meet and greet’ space, as well as the implementation of a series of informal meeting areas and collaborative work settings,” says Area

• Location: Wokingham, England
• Date completed: 2017
• Size: 30,000 square feet
• Design: Area