The new office plan draws inspiration from the black bands of the universal barcode. Different functional spaces are organized in a set of horizontal bands arranged across the office. This design deviates from the traditional corporate office by emphasizing openness yet allowing for confidentiality where needed. Each band respectively accommodates rooms for partners, research teams, staff and clients. Rooms are no longer isolated cubicles solely occupied by one person, but rather a space that different staff members can share depending on their needs. Double glazed glass walls enhance the openness of the office while providing the levels of privacy that the client needs.
The band above the curved bay overlooking prosperous Central employs an open plan for both traveling consultants and some of the full time Hong Kong staff. The traveling consultant can choose where to sit when in town, while Hong Kong based staff have permanent seating. Flexible seating encourages efficient utilization of office space while accommodating the needs of a highly mobile consulting staff. The openness of the area also encourages interaction among the staff, echoing the spirit of teamwork that is central to how McKinsey works internally, as well as with clients.
The central band, with common areas for staff of all levels, is dedicated to promoting interaction between all staff members and cultivating a stronger sense of belonging. The warm wood of the reception area, fashioned into a playful tree pattern, welcomes visitors as they step into the office.
The new McKinsey & Company Hong Kong office accommodates the needs for both privacy and interaction, promoting efficiency in terms of the use of space while boosting staff productivity as well as their sense of community.
McKinsey confronted OMA with a design question: How to rethink their work space in a way that is innovative and enhances the McKinsey experience?
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