Australian Design Review

ANZ Centre is the most open and permeable banking headquarters in the world. Rarely, if ever, has a bank invited the public into the heart of its workplace. ?The design for the landmark building located in Melbourne’s Docklands is based on the concept of an ‘urban campus’, focused around a central ‘common’. Including permeable public space within the workplace brings the community into the organisation’s heart, creating a lively ground-level hub including cafes, public art and a visitor centre. This demonstrates a bold new direction for a banking institution seeking to balance the need for security with the desire to demonstrate transparency and openness.

??A cross section of employees – including graduates and younger generation employees – helped shape the design as part of an extensive consultation and research program.?? The result – a flexible, open plan office space – inspires ANZ’s diverse workplace community today and anticipates its future needs. Expansive floorplates are configured to maximise daylight penetration, promote collaboration and accommodate varied work styles. Approximately 55 percent of the work area is shared collaborative space with the remaining 45 percent acting as a dedicated desk environment. Five vibrant and distinct hub types are distributed across 44 individual hub spaces that connect quiet working zones.

*Team* Architects in collaboration: HASSELL and Lend Lease design; Interior Design: HASSELL