A Tour of The Fairtrade Foundation’s Biophilic London Office

The Fairtrade Foundation, a UK-based charity that empowers disadvantaged producers in developing countries, recently relocated into a new office in London, England, designed by workplace design firm Thirdway Interiors.

“The brief was to inject life into the employee’s surroundings, ensuring they are reminded of the reason Fairtrade exists, and to echo the charity’s voice and values through creative design. The front of house and meeting rooms now focus heavily on the voices of those in the Fairtrade producer network. This includes a space where the client can update to display various merchandising materials as necessary showcasing producers from around the world talking about their partnership with the Foundation. The drive was to showcase Fairtrade products that empower producers to sell to traders and retailers. The upper and lower floors are designed to occupy both permanent and hot-desking space, ‘phone booth’ meeting rooms for quiet working or phone calls, a large breakout area and a kitchen. One of the most unique parts of the whole project is the bright yellow meeting room with its sensational hanging-banana ceiling – a stark acknowledgement of the work that Fairtrade does and a bold splash of colour to contrast with its calmer surroundings. With Fairtrade, consumers have the power to change the world every day. With simple shopping choices they can get farmers a better deal and lead the dignified life everyone deserves. A bespoke graffiti mural in the workstation area brings this brand messaging to life, and the nearby meeting rooms feature bespoke wallpaper created by taking prints of authentic coffee sacks. Glass partitions are detailed with geographical themed manifestations to highlight the worldwide relationships Fairtrade has formed. Both the staircase and the hanging plants were designed to connect the upper and lower floors – the biophilic design also promoting wellbeing amongst Fairtrade’s employees,” said Thirdway Interiors

• Location: Whitechapel – London, England
• Date completed: 2019
• Size: 6,000 square feet
• Design: Thirdway Interiors
• Photos: Tom Fallon