Thales

The headquarters, which replaces outdated accommodation, provides development and manufacturing space in a single highly flexible building envelope.

There were two primary requirements, a strict and rigorous cost limit and a building design that would contribute to the process of industrial regeneration and culture change.

The move presented an opportunity to get rid of the hierarchical structure that was exemplified by six different levels of canteen facilities. Factory space was upgraded as near as possible to the level of offices, management was brought out into the work area and everyone was to sit down and eat together.